Pinot's Palette Gives Back

HOUSTON, Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinot's Palette, a national paint-and-sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, is pleased to announce that 12 studios will participate in the company's Art Tasting charity event, which will take place August 15-17.

The Art Tasting will feature an evening of hands-on art activities; food and drinks from local shops and restaurants; and an art auction.  All proceeds will go to a local charity.  Pinot's Palette Franchise Development Manager Lori Lockerd says the Art Tasting is just one way that the company gives back. 

"One of our core values is 'commitment to our community and partners,'" says Lockerd.  "The Art Tasting event is a great way to achieve this."

The Art Tasting will also provide attendees with a unique opportunity to purchase duplicate paintings from each location.  "At the beginning of every class, there's a painting hanging up as an example. Then the artist paints another one along with the class, so we end up with two copies," says Lockerd.  "This is the only time that we sell our duplicates to the public – and proceeds from the sales go to charity."

Participating locations for the Art Tasting include eight Texas studios:  Alamo Heights, Allen, the Galleria, Katy, Montrose, South Lamar, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands.  Additional participating studios include Cherry Street (Tulsa), Oklahoma; Sanderlin (Memphis), Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Danville, California.  Tickets for the event will cost $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door.

The Art Tasting isn't the only way that Pinot's Palette is supporting local communities.  In late spring, after a devastating tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma, the franchise partnered with the American Red Cross to launch OK Relief, an online fundraising campaign that raised more than $6,000 in 8 weeks.  In addition to the online fundraiser, Pinot's Palette franchise owner – and Moore resident -- Ashley Gardner created a special painting to help support her fellow Oklahomans.

"After the storms, I was so moved by what a strong community I lived in.  Everyone worked together and wanted to do anything they could to help," says Gardner.  "I contacted one of my artists, and we created the 'Oklahoma Strong' painting – and it was a huge hit.  I think that class broke some Pinot's records -- it sold out in two hours!"

Proceeds from Gardner's first "Oklahoma Strong" class went to the American Red Cross.  The painting continues to be a big seller for her studio.

"We are thrilled to be able to give back to our communities through events and fundraising activities like the Art Tasting and OK Relief," says Lockerd.  "We expect this year's Art Tasting to be a huge success – and we're already thinking about new fundraising opportunities."

Dates, times, and activities for the Pinot's Palette Art Tasting event will vary by location. For more information, or to buy tickets to an event near you, visit www.TheArtTasting.com.

Contact info: MARI SOKOLOWSKI, 1-713-777-4668, [email protected]

SOURCE Pinot's Palette