
2 minute read
MAKE YOUR OWN
from KCMagazine_May 2021
by Shaw Media
MASTERPIECE Make your own
A KNACK FOR PAINTING IS OPTIONAL — AT PINOT’S PALETTE, THE FUN OF CREATING ORIGINAL ART MATTERS MOST
By Louise Treeny | Photos provided
When her friend invited her to a painting event, Amy Kumler’s expectations were low. “My goal was for people to know it was a dog,” she laughs. What she didn’t expect was how much she would enjoy it. “For three hours I did nothing but painting,” she says. “It really did relax me.” At the time, Kumler’s job in finance was causing a lot of stress. She began painting more as a stress relief outlet, a hobby that grew until one day she received an email that read something along the lines of “Have you ever considered owning a Pinot’s Palette?” No, Kumler had never considered that. But fast-forward to March 2019, and she was signing a contract and starting a new business venture. Pinot’s Palette’s St. Charles location, of which Kumler is the owner, opened at the end of November 2019. “There’s nothing better than a roomful of people enjoying themselves,” says Kumler, who says she’s looking forward to the return of laughter as pandemicrelated restrictions start to ease. Pinot’s Palette offers painting nights where you follow an instructor’s directions. The step-by-step process makes landscapes, animals, flowers — you name it, really — into a doable, fun night of creativity. In addition to classic canvas painting, the studio also offers acrylic pour classes, chunky knit blanket making, flower pot painting and more. During the stay-at-home orders, Pinot’s Palette sold kits with the necessary supplies and instructions. The studio is also big enough for socially distanced painting nights in person, following safety guidelines. As an artist who paints for fun, Kumler’s message to people who are unsure of their talents is to give it a try. “Challenge yourself to do it anyway,” she says, adding it’s just about letting your brain relax. “Our artists are taught to break it down step by step.” The main attraction is the art, but don’t discount the atmosphere. The private party room has black lights that make certain paints glow. You’ll find a bar (beer, wine and pre-mixed cocktails), occasional non-painting events like trivia night, and good music. “We get a lot of compliments on (our) music track,” says Kumler; and, true to her word, a mix of classic hits and current pop plays throughout the studio as she speaks. The studio is also willing to partner with school parentteacher associations or other organizations to do fundraising. One such endeavor is Project Pet, in which you send your favorite digital pet photo, which gets transferred onto a canvas. The instructors then walk you through the steps of adding color, shadows and highlights so that your pet comes to life on the canvas. These nights benefit local animal shelters. The Pinot’s Palette St. Charles website has class details and registration for upcoming events, complete with an image of what you’ll be painting. A painting class typically costs $35, but it ranges based on the painting or event. And remember: You don’t have to be an up-and-coming Van Gogh to enjoy yourself. “It’s just about having fun,” Kumler says.
PINOT’S PALETTE 3823 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-338-0278 www.pinotspalette.com/stcharles
