Pikasso Swig isn't your average craft bar – it's a dream spun from color, creativity, and a whole lotta heart (and maybe a few glasses of wine!). As a locally and woman-owned business, we're obsessed with spreading the joy of art. Picture this: I envisioned a place where people could ditch the daily grind, unleash their inner artist (even if they think they don't have one!), connect with friends, and maybe even discover a hidden talent. One fateful evening, with a glass of wine whispering sweet artistic nothings in my ear, I bought the domain name, and BAM! Pikasso Swig was born!

My adventure started in 2019, just before the world went a little topsy-turvy, when I took a leap of faith, leaving behind a successful career in Marketing to open Pikasso Swig. Our first location opened that year, but then, like a phoenix rising from the ashes of… well, a slightly less ideal location, we landed in our awesome downtown Charlottesville digs in 2021, all thanks to a random Craigslist ad my aunt stumbled upon while chilling in Florida! The space needed a tad bit of TLC (it was previously a very serious blue-walled office), but we saw the artistic explosion waiting to happen. And let's talk about color! I'm a color fanatic – the bolder, the crazier, the better! If you agree, we're soulmates.

"The Swig" has been the wildest, most rewarding dream ever. My absolute favorite thing? The pure, unadulterated joy! From birthday bashes to kids discovering the magic of creation for the first time, we're part of so many happy moments. It's seriously the best feeling. And I definitely couldn't have done it without my amazing Pikasso Swig crew – each and every one of them brings their own unique brand of awesome to the table. They're not just employees, they're family (and I hope they feel the same!). And speaking of family, my dad, Bob Schwartz (a retired corrections officer – talk about a career change!), has been my biggest supporter since he moved down from New York in 2021 to lend a hand. He's a Swig legend – you'll probably meet him when you visit; he's always buzzing around, offering dadly advice (and probably cracking a joke or two).

As a local business, we're on a mission to bring Pikasso Swig to everyone! We're constantly dreaming up new projects and craft kits that we ship nationwide. These kits were a lifesaver during the pandemic – a little box of creativity delivered right to your door. My own artistic journey? I started persuing a degree in Speech Pathology (who knew?), but my heart always belonged to art. It's hard to describe what this whole experience has meant, but I'm beyond grateful to open our doors every day. Your support, your laughter, your creativity – it's what keeps Pikasso Swig alive and kicking. Every visit, every kit, every celebration makes a difference. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of the Pikasso Swig family.

With love & color,

Jamie Schwartz, Chief Party Starter