Palette Press Releases

"I've worked with creative professionals since 1995, and I've always had a great appreciation for the arts community" stated Kotalik. "After developing business plans and marketing programs in the high-tech environment, I decided to chase my passion and create an inviting setting for everybody to learn, appreciate and discuss art while enjoying a nice glass of wine and fine cuisine", he added. "I have a much greater appreciation of the art and artists after truly understanding their backgrounds, as well as what motivates and inspires them. We want to extend this valuable information to our customers."

Located one block off the historic Healdsburg Plaza at the 235 Healdsburg Avenue, the Palette Art Cafe; was designed by world-renowned interior designer Myra Hoefer, who is based in Healdsburg and Paris. Hoefer's signature style has transformed the indoor and outdoor space into a chic, country casual but internationally eclectic environment with a technological cutting edge.

The café is arranged with low tables and comfortable seating on couches and on a variety of moveable chairs, allowing diners to create their own conversational settings in which to enjoy the fine art and fine food experience.  The café provides wireless access to the internet and also features two computer kiosks to view the entire online gallery inventory along with a large flat panel TV that highlights featured artists and a description of their art, in an intimate and user-friendly setting.

Palette Art Online allows customers in the café and art lovers all over the world to view and purchase art from their extensive inventory. The state-of-the-art website allows detailed browsing from a digital catalogue that includes full descriptions of the pieces and information about the artists. Special programs, such as the "Prominent Patron's Program," feature advanced scheduling information on upcoming exhibitions, local events, special promotions and automated notices of new work that can also be accessed on the site.  Palette Art Online continually updates the site with additional artists, artwork, events and performances in the gallery and in the Healdsburg area.

Changing exhibitions in the café are scheduled throughout the year. Each show will feature a variety of media including photography, paintings, sculpture and works on paper curated by well-known San Francisco gallerist Cheryle Jernigan Wicker.  Schedule exhibitions include Diane Altoff, Jeff Burwell, Jonathan Collis, Robert Dunahay, Autumn Fuentes, Gillen + Neale, William Henry, Shari LaLonde, Chuck Lantz, Pete Le Compte, Molly McCracken, Justin O'Neil, Barbara Ravizza, Sally Robertson and Dugald Stermer. A regular series of special events are also planned including talks by artists, curators and collectors, music performances and other entertainment.

The organic menu was designed to support local products and goods, offering customers healthy options in an art filled environment. The menu includes breakfast fare of Belgian waffles, yogurt, bagels and fresh fruit. Salads and panini sandwiches will be served all day along with savory and sweet fondues in the evening. The extensive wine list includes Sonoma County and international wine selections to compliment the gourmet menu.  Champagne, saki cocktails and artisan beers will also be available.  Coffee drinks and juices will be served all day.

Palette Art Cafe is open Tuesday thru Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  For information please call (707) 433-2788 or visit

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The 1350 square-foot-space accommodates 35 diners with an additional 500-square-foot patio area.  The light grey plaster walls, natural hardwood floors, wooden tabletops  deepened with chocolate suede couches create a chic atmosphere.  Seating options include Turkish kilim-upholstered chairs in natural desert shades and primitive African designed chairs with sand-colored upholstery.

"Myra is an incredible designer," said managing partner Darin Kotalik. "We want to build an art community in a café setting where people are constantly engaged by the art on the walls. Myra has a unique ability to understand the customer's goals and searched the world to provide a comfortable environment. As a result, we have Belgium chairs with Turkish upholstery, a Spanish pendent chandelier, French wine glasses and couches from Los Angeles, and I am extremely pleased with her creativity and enthusiasm."

A U-shaped bar surfaced with finished concrete thrusts out into the space like the bow of a ship, topped by an extravagant golden-orange resin light fixture from Spain. The tables and chairs provide a low profile and inviting environment so customers can always see the art activities throughout the café.  Hoefer was also able to create a custom mirror for behind the bar that is framed with used art palettes from internationally known local artist Wade Hoefer. 

Tall, double-height windows open to the sunny courtyard where picnic tables are arranged for outdoor dining.  White wooden shutters fold out from the walls to provide additional hanging surfaces, and the corrugated tin ceiling adds height to the light, airy space.

Ms. Hoefer was also responsible for selecting the restaurant linens and china, an earth toned mix of white bowls, terra cotta fondue pots and artistically swirling splattered-glaze plates that could have come straight from a painter's studio. The art palette theme continues with tin paint- can ice buckets and crayon holders. Generous cloth napkins fashioned from a bistro cloth complete the casually elegant table decor.

Two computer kiosks are available to view the entire online gallery inventory along with a large flat panel TV displaying images of the artists and a description of their work, making for an intimate and user-friendly setting.  Palette Art Cafe will exhibit artists from throughout Northern California, including Dugald Stermer, Barbara Ravizza, Pete Le Compte, Pia Stern, Sally Robertson, and John and Ann Gillen. The works can also be viewed through wireless internet access that takes you directly to www.Palette-Art.com

Myra Hoefer is known for her seemingly effortless combination of California casual with French chic.  Her signature intimate, elegant and romantic interiors have garnered Ms. Hoefer a strong international following and critical acclaim. She has been published extensively since 1990 in national magazines including Elle Décor, Veranda, House Beautiful and Departures. Her work has also been featured in elegant coffee table books published by Tachen and Chronicle Books.

Serving breakfast, lunch and evening snacks with an extensive list of premium wines, champagne, saki cocktails and artisan beers, Palette Art Café is open Tuesday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  For further information call: (707) 433-2788 or visit www.Palette-Art.com.

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