PINOT’S PALETTE ADDS TO ITS ARTISTIC OFFERINGS

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Pinot’s Palette

Since setting up shop in St. Charles in 2019, Pinot’s Palette has become a fan favorite paint-andsip studio offering group lessons for adults and kids alike.

The studio, at 3823 E. Main St., is a popular place to unwind and get creative. Now, owner Amy Kumler is expanding on the concept by offering a corporate subscription program that she expects to launch in 2023. The program is similar to incentives offered by large companies such as training, gym memberships and more.

“When I worked for a large corporation, I had access to stuff like that,” Kumler says. “I do know there are a lot of companies in the area that are big, but not that big. They’re not going to have those huge perks that they can put into a benefits package. “Painting is such a good mental health therapy,” continues Kumler. “I started thinking, ‘What if we could offer this to corporations where they could pay a flat fee every month and their employees could just come in and take classes whenever they wanted?’ It’s a new concept, and we’re keeping it local.” Plato’s Palette includes two rooms, with capacities of 48 and 36, respectively. “We do public classes six days a week and we do private parties any time,” says Kumler. The full-service bar includes beer, wine and premixed cocktails, she adds. “We can also do mobile events. If, for instance, a company wanted to sponsor a teambuilding event, we can go to them.” The private party room features black lights, allowing customers to do glow-inthe-dark paintings. “That’s fun,” Kumler notes. “Actually, the adults like it more than the kids do.”

Other innovative, creative classes offered at Pinot’s Palette include knitting chunky yarn blankets and scarves. “We’re also doing a lot of collaborations,” she says. Pinot’s Palette is currently working with a local charcuterie board business and a caterer to enhance painting classes. “They paint a little bit, and then they do a charcuterie class. The result is three local businesses supporting each other.”

Kumler says Pinot’s Palette has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback since it opened. “I’ve got a really good crew of eight great artist instructors,” she says. “They just love teaching other people to love art.”

According to Kumler, the studio’s positive environment is a large part of what keeps people coming back. She has lots of repeat business. “We’re super focused on customer service and making sure everybody always has a really good time,” she concludes.