Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Strathman.
Hi Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Kansas and earned my BFA from the University of Kansas in 2013, where I developed a strong foundation in painting, drawing and contemporary art practices. Early in my career, I began working in paint-and-sip studios across Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, which exposed me to a side of art that was rooted in connection and shared experience. At the same time, I remained committed to developing my own studio practice and pursuing further academic training.
I moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah, where I earned my MFA in 2018. My graduate studies were deeply formative, allowing me to refine my voice as an artist and designer while engaging critically with contemporary art and pedagogy. During and after my MFA, I taught as an adjunct professor at both the University of Utah and Utah Valley University, teaching color theory, painting, and drawing. Instructing at the university level was a meaningful part of my development, and it strengthened my commitment to mentorship and arts education.
Throughout my career, I’ve remained dedicated to both creating and teaching. I’ve worked across academic and community settings, helping people engage with art in ways that feel accessible and meaningful. My experiences as a student, educator, and working artist have shaped my perspective and allowed me to build a life centered around creativity.
Utah has been home to my husband, Hunter, and me for over a decade, and it’s where we’re raising our two-year-old son, Ike. Living here has given me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, and to contribute to a creative community that continues to inspire my work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges has been pushing back against the idea that a career in the arts isn’t sustainable. There’s often pressure to treat creativity as something secondary, rather than something you can build a life around. Transitioning from academia into business ownership also required learning how to balance creativity with leadership and financial responsibility.
But those challenges have been deeply motivating. I’ve been able to build a studio that creates real opportunities for local artists and offers people a meaningful creative experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to show that art isn’t just viable—it’s essential to a thriving community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Painting With A Twist, Murray?
Painting with a Twist in Murray is a locally owned create and sip studio built on the idea that art should be welcoming, social, and accessible—what we like to call “Fun Art, Not Fine Art.” We welcome thousands of guests annually through public classes, private events, corporate partnerships, and fundraising initiatives. Beyond traditional canvas classes, we’ve expanded our offerings to include pop-in and DIY projects, chunky knit blanket workshops, candle making, and immersive blacklight events. Our mission is to create a space where anyone can feel comfortable exploring their creativity.
What sets us apart is that we are artist-led and deeply community rooted. We employ and mentor local Utah artists and regularly partner with nonprofits through our Painting with a Purpose program, helping raise funds for local schools, families, and organizations. Supporting our community is part of our foundation, not just our business model.
I’m most proud of the creative environment we’ve built—one where people feel comfortable trying something new. For visitors and locals alike, we offer more than a class; we offer an experience that’s creative, memorable, and uniquely connected to Utah’s artistic community.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking and mentorship didn’t come naturally to me at first. I’m a fairly reserved person, and large group settings were often intimidating. What worked best for me was building relationships one-on-one. Early in my career, starting around 2010, I spent several years working as an assistant to Carol Ann Carter, a tenured professor at the University of Kansas, and volunteering at a local art gallery. Those experiences gave me invaluable insight into both creative practice and the realities of sustaining a life in the arts.
I also made a point to reach out to professors, colleagues, and community members I admired, often scheduling coffee simply to listen and learn from their experiences. Those one-on-one conversations were where I felt most comfortable, and they became some of the most meaningful mentorship moments in my career.
Over time, I’ve realized that mentorship doesn’t always come through formal programs—it grows out of curiosity, consistency, and mutual respect. Being genuinely interested in others’ work, showing up with kindness, and staying open to opportunity, and taking risks allowed me to build lasting relationships within the creative community. As my career has grown, I’ve been grateful to offer that same encouragement and mentorship to other artists, particularly those at the beginning of their own paths.
Pricing:
- Public painting classes: starting at $41-$65 per person
- DIY candle making workshops: starting at $30 per person
- Chunky knit blanket workshops: starting at $79 per person
- Pop-In & DIY self-guided projects: starting at $15
- Private events: starting at $41 per person (minimums apply)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/murray/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twist.murray/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/twist.murray
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/painting-with-a-twist-murray
