Get to Know the Owner of Pinot's Palette in Naperville
by Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Ruta Drulia
NAPERVILLE–Pam had spent more than 25 years working in a business environment with experience in marketing, sales, database management, and social event management when she took the leap of faith to open Pinot’s Palette in downtown Naperville, putting her passion into the paint-and-sip franchise.
Pam’s pursuit has paid off earning her a number of awards, including Glancer Magazine’s Reader's Choice Awards and several Pinot's Palette’s Golden Brush Awards. She takes personal pride in giving back to the community by hosting and donating to fundraiser events, such as the Naperville Junior Women’s Club Fundraiser this past May; participating as a Naperville Riverwalk Commissioner; a Downtown Naperville Alliance Board Member; and taking active roles with the Naperville Chamber Of Commerce through Teamwork and the Women in Business Committee.
As an Event Extraordinaire, she is continually planning a fun-filled calendar of unique opportunities to explore your creative side, while relaxing with wine! Summer events include Girls Night’s Out, Summer Sip & Save, Little Brushes Summer Camp, Mobile Painting, Black Light Classes, Pour Your Own Epoxy / Charcuterie Boards, Wine and Jazz, Mobile Painting, Team Building, Date Night Sessions, and Cubist Portrait - where you can paint your pet, paint your partner, paint yourself, and the list goes on and on!
What inspired you to open a paint studio?
I loved to paint as a hobby and when I was looking for a new career that wasn’t a corporate job I came across paint and sip. I took a class at a restaurant in downtown Naperville, sat back from the painting that I completed in two hours, and never looked back. I knew in my heart that there were people out there who would love to paint and sip for fun and relaxation.
What is the best part of your painting events?
Painting is therapy!
How have your life experiences influenced your artistic style?
Your artistic style is an extension of yourself. Trust your intuition and creative vision. Check out the Open Studio Event and find your personal passion!
What art media do you personally love the most?
Acrylic painting, of course. It dries fast and is very easy to work with. Love our Acrylic Pour Classes!
Which famous artist, living or deceased, do you wish would visit Pinot Palette and what do you think they would select to paint or create?
Van Gogh, he’s one of the well-known artists whose paintings are replicated a lot in our industry. I think he would choose to paint our rendition of Starry Night Over The Rohne.
What is your personal event offered by Pinot's Palette?
Our regular acrylic painting classes are my favorite. But, we are now doing “Pour Your Own Epoxy Charcuterie Boards”. It’s a fun way to be creative and also have a beautiful work of art for your home! Creating your own Garden Art Mosaic is also perfect for the summer!
What's new and exciting in the art world for Summer 2024?
Sustainability – Artists are using recycled and upcycled materials. Popular also are eco-friendly supplies like recycled paper and organic material canvases. Digital and AI art are currently very popular.
Artists are also experimenting with bold colors and tactile textures. There is also a renewed interest in textile arts like quilts and tapestries.
This year we have bugs! We've seen benches, boats, pickup trucks, heats, and more!
What do you hope to see in an upcoming Naperville Sculpture Series?
I think we should do cows (mini ones, of course) like the Chicago Cows from the past - tying into our Summer Cow event!
What are your personal business goals for the next 5 years?
I hope to retire in the next five years. I will always be part of the business and will delegate responsibilities to some of our hardworking, creative artists!
What are the top five things on your bucket list still?
Hiking in Sedona, Arizona, Alaska Cruise, Yosemite National Park, Travel to Greece, Private yacht vacation with friends.
What does the Naperville community not know about Pam Bartlett that they should?
I am an Army Brat. After spending years living in many different states and different cities in France and Germany, my dad retired from the U.S. Army and moved our family to Colorado Springs. Most of my family still resides in Colorado Springs and I’m hoping to someday have a home in the vicinity. Naperville is the place that I have lived the longest…ever! I have been in Naperville for 32 years and I enjoy this amazing city.
What words of encouragement can you share to inspire other women who are considering opening a business?
Believe in yourself. Your vision, determination and hard work ethic will help you succeed. Trust in your abilities!
