Gratefully Painted
Ceramic shop pours nostalgia, family ties through art and creativity
Vintage vibes are flowing at Jamie Panicali’s Gratefully Painted, a traditional ceramic shop that serves as a gathering spot for family and friends to connect over crafting.
“Customers can just walk in, and we help them with the painting process,” she said. “Most of what my customers paint are hand-poured from vintage ceramic molds. I have thousands of molds dating from the 1940s to today.”
Jamie also offers technique classes, painting parties and a private room for rent. Customers can pick up paints, brushes and ceramic supplies. She donates Gratefully Painted experiences to those who are facing challenges through Haven House Women’s Shelter and rape crisis centers.
“I like being able to offer something different to the community while keeping a once-dying art alive,” she said. “The other great thing is seeing everyone talk to each other. It’s hard to paint and be on technology at the same time.”
She launched the shop three years ago after having a love of ceramics since she was a young girl.
“I started ceramics when I was in elementary school and I have continued with it as a hobby on and off throughout my life,” she said. “During Covid, I painted more than I needed so I decided to try selling my painted items at a farmer’s market.”
With more than 20 years of experience as a retail manager, opening a brick-and-mortar store was a natural progression as she worked on her own pieces.
“I do not sell my painted pieces at the shop, but still do pop-up markets to sell my own creations,” she said. “Customers paint their own pieces. It is great to hear them get excited to see vintage pieces they can recreate. Maybe their mom or grandma made different items. Ceramics is an art that many people remember from childhood.”
Ceramic selections hit a range of categories from seasonal to people and mystical to religious. Participants select the item they want to paint – whether it is dragon or fairy, happy rock or groovy snail – and receive the necessary guidance.
“There are many painting shops, but they all order their pieces in,” she said. “At Gratefully Painted, you are painting a Christmas tree that was made in a mold from the ’60s that was passed down and passed down to get to me.”
Gratefully Painted
737 169th St. in Hammond