My Story
Throughout my life I have enjoyed experimenting with different forms of creative expression from ballet to jewelry making to pottery, the list goes on. More recently, I participated in a three-hour artist led painting class — it was exhilarating, I lost track of time, I was hooked! And in Bottle & Bottega, I knew I had found a business that was truly special, one that allows me to express and joyously share with others, including my young daughter, my passions for creating personal art and entertaining.
So, after many years of working in corporate America, I took the plunge into small business ownership! Since stepping out of a high-rise office building and into my community was one of the main reasons I desired to open my own business, Bottle & Bottega was a natural fit with its grass roots, business-helping-business, giving-back-to-the-community values. I am thrilled to introduce this unique and creative wine and art party concept to Evanston and the North Shore, a community known for its diverse and thriving arts and culture.
Let us help you set up a private event that is sure to be memorable and fun! Or simply sign up and show up at a public event with your choice of beverage in hand, check your inhibitions at the door and uncork your creativity!
-Lynette Martin, Owner
Bottle & Bottega Evanston
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Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from knowing that an evening with Bottle & Bottega will likely be a chart-topper for your best night EVER, we understand that you may want a little more information. Following are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
PUBLIC EVENTS
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Events are held in our studio or at host venues around the city. Once you sign up online, all you do is arrive for your scheduled class with a bottle of wine! When it’s time to paint, one of our artists will walk you step-by-step the artwork piece you signed up to paint (the one featured on the calendar page). All classes come with aprons and the supplies needed to create your own masterpiece.
Do I HAVE to paint the piece you’re teaching?
No! The canvas is yours to create an inspired masterpiece! We’ll help you with whatever you choose to do!
How do I REGISTER?
Simply go to our Events page, select the arty party you would like to attend and complete the registration process to purchase your ticket(s) securely online. Once we receive your registration submission, you’ll receive an automatic e-mail confirmation.
Are all public events BYOB?
All public art parties at the B&B studio are BYOB. For off-site events and fundraisers, please be sure to read all the details in the event description before signing up.
Can my CHILD ATTEND an event with me?
Because alcohol is present during our events, we restrict attendance to adults 18 and over. Alcohol consumption is permitted only for adults over 21. All guests will be carded.
PRIVATE EVENTS
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
Events are held in our studio, your home, or a select venue of your choosing. Whether your event is off-site or in-house, Bottle & Bottega will provide all the paint supplies, including acrylic paint, brushes, aprons, and 16×20 canvases, as well as the artist’s instruction, of course. We can also supply painter’s plastic to cover any surfaces, if necessary. Because we use table easels that are 1.5’w x 1’d, we set up wherever there is available seating—a dining room table, coffee table, kitchen counters or islands, etc! We’ve even used the floor on some occasions! You will paint with the assistance of the artist and each guest will take home a masterpiece!
HOW LONG does the event last and HOW MUCH is it?
Our events typically last for 2–3 hours and range in price from $35 to $45 per person, depending on the length of time and day of the week. Visit our Private Events page for more information.
If I want to host a party at A VENUE other than my home, can I do that?
Absolutely! In addition to our beautiful studio, we have a number of venue suggestions—some incur rental fees, however, which are additional to the painting party fees. Visit Catering and Venue Partners for more information. If you have your own idea for a Bottle & Bottega party location, we would be happy to look into it for you!
Do you HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS for the venue rental?
Yes. We will handle all arrangements with the venue of your choice to confirm they will allow us to hold the event on your preferred date. For dining and drink packages, we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate venue contact to finalize the details!
Do I get to CHOOSE the PAINTING?
Yes. You will have the option to select your own paintings from our Image Library and the artist will assist as each guest paints their selected piece. If you’re looking for something a little different, we also offer the option for a nude model (for an additional fee of $95) to tastefully pose at your Bottle & Bottega party.
What do I need to PROVIDE AS THE HOST?
This depends on the venue. If the event is at a bar or restaurant, the venue will provide food and beverage options. If you’re in the studio, you will bring your own food and beverages. We’ll supply stemware, plates, platters, napkins, and ice if you need them. If we’re at your home or a venue that allows for BYOB and/or catering, you will be responsible for food and beverages and any other items you may need. If you’d like to hire a third-party vendor to handle the food and beverage responsibility, we can suggest a list of Preferred Caterers & Sommelier Services at the bottom of the Catering and Venue Partners page. Such servicesincur additional fees.
When do you need the FINAL HEADCOUNT?
For parties of 15 or more, the final headcount is needed at least 1 week before the event. For smaller parties, we need the final count 48 hours prior to the event. Bottle & Bottega allows one “no-show,” so if you reserve for 15 and only 12 paint, you will be responsible for payment for 14 guests
How do I HANDLE PAYMENT for a private or corporate event?
For studio events, we require a $80 nonrefundable deposit. For off-site events, we require a nonrefundable Event/Travel Fee, which is not applied toward your final balance, which ranges from $40 – $100 depending on the type of event and the distance. Deposits and Event Fees are payable by credit card only. The final balance is due immediately following the event’s conclusion and is payable by cash or credit card.
What if I reserve for 15 guests, but only 10 show up? Am I still RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING for everyone?
Bottle & Bottega allows one “no-show,” so if you reserve for 15 and only 12 paint, you will be responsible for payment for 14 guests.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Not unless it’s BYOB! Otherwise, all supplies, including aprons, are provided, so you only need to show up ready to uncork your creativity!
CANCELLATION POLICY
For public events, cancellations received less than 48 HOURS before the event date will not be eligible for a refund but you will be given a studio credit for a future event.
For private parties, cancellations must be received no later than ONE WEEK prior to the event date to receive a refund of the deposit or Event Fee.
For corporate events, cancellations must be received no later than TWO WEEKS prior to the event date to receive a refund of the deposit or Event Fee.
Can I PAINT WHATEVER I want?
ALWAYS!!! Whether it’s a public or private event, the canvas is yours, so if you’re feeling inspired, by all means, go with it! You can even bring a photo or an image of a piece you’ve always wanted to own and replicate it in your own unique style. Alternatively, you can select paintings from a book of artwork that we have on hand. We will help you with whatever you choose to paint!
What KIND OF PAINT do you use?
We use non-toxic, water soluble acrylic paint that which wipes off easily from hard surfaces. We will provide a tarp or plastic to cover any carpet, should you need it. We also provide aprons to protect clothing. Acrylic paints dry very quickly, which makes your paintings ready to transport immediately following the event!
What is the MAXIMUM NUMBER of guests allowed?
We can accommodate groups of up to 75 in our studio and up to 250 for off-site events. We just need a little advanced notice (two weeks is sufficient for groups of 60 or more).
Will you TRAVEL to the SUBURBS?
Yes. We will go just about anywhere! The Event Fee covers transportation and ranges from $40 – $100 depending on the distance.
Should I TIP THE ARTIST?
Tipping is not obligatory, but if you feel like the artist or model did a great job, by all means, give them a little something extra!
Do you ever SHIP PAINTINGS?
Yes! We will ship your paintings wherever you’d like for an additional $50 charge plus freight costs.
