Painting with a Twist: Always the Artist
painting with a twist
Marilyn Kennedy has always been drawn to art. After eight years as the manager of Painting with a Twist, she officially became the owner in May 2024—a milestone in a lifelong creative journey. Her love for painting was sparked in ninth grade when an art teacher introduced her to oil paints. After finishing her first painting, she knew: “I love this. I’m doing this for the rest of my life.”
Marilyn’s background is as colorful as her artwork. She has experience in theater, education, photography, and even spent 15 years as a bus driver. Her many talents converge at Painting with a Twist, a place that allows her to combine her love for art with her passion for people. She finds immense joy in helping others feel good about themselves and their creations, believing that more people should prioritize having fun. For Marilyn, painting isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the experience. She encourages guests to practice mindfulness, stay present in the moment, and truly enjoy the creative process.
Beyond Painting with a Twist, Marilyn also runs Renewings LLC, where she sells her artwork. Many of her past pieces have been gifted to loved ones, but recently, she’s been refocusing on creating art for herself again. One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is contributing to the Painting with a Twist national design library. Once a painting is added to the system, it becomes accessible to all locations, allowing her art to reach people far beyond Hammond. In a visit to a Michigan location, she once saw a class recreate one of her designs. One of her latest paintings, a pink pig happily sitting in the mud, is a perfect reflection of the kind of whimsical, joyful art she loves to create.
Marilyn’s connection to Hammond runs deep. Though she resides in Springfield, she proudly calls Hammond her town. She sees it as a cultural, charming hub and loves watching passersby pause at the red light outside her building, admiring the art in her windows.
She has big plans for the future of Painting with a Twist. Soon, she’ll introduce Pop In & Paint, a flexible option where guests can drop in and create whatever inspires them. She envisions the studio as a community crafting space, offering everything from birdhouse painting and wooden tray design to candle making and even slime crafting for kids. She’s also adding blacklight painting sessions and expanding her offerings to suit artists of all ages and skill levels—she’s welcomed everyone from 4-year-olds to 94-year-olds, and each has found joy in their visit.
Marilyn recently upgraded the studio’s coffee bar, ensuring guests feel at home while they create. Though her personal favorite subject to paint is cypress trees in swamp landscapes, she acknowledges that some of her regional works don’t always translate to the national Painting with a Twist system. However, Marilyn is a versatile artist—there’s no limit to what she can create.
With a heart for art and a passion for bringing people together, Marilyn is excited to continue growing her business and inspiring others to embrace their creativity.
