Writing

Room doctor dresses up the drab

By: Kelly Steuck - Published in the Quad-City times on Friday, April 2, 2004

Pam Goecke shows off one of her latest jobs, the makeover of a room as a tribute to rock musician Eddie Van Halen. Photo by: Larry Fisher/Quad-City Times

Blending a family tradition with personal ambition, Pam Goecke, Davenport, is a full time mother and runs her own business, Pam's Decorative Painting.

Goecke's artistic endeavors began 12 years ago with folk art painting in Pennsylvania. A year ago she decided she wanted to be self-employed so she could spend more time with her family.

"I drop the kids off in the morning, go paint, then pick them up in the afternoon," Goecke says.

For one customer, that availability meant that she was able to spend four days painting a 4-season room of his Davenport home while her girls were in school.

"I was very impressed with her work; she's very creative," Paul Renaud said.

The painting tradition in Goecke's family can be traced back to her great-great grandfather. She comes from a long line of painters and paperhangers. Being the first woman to venture into the family trade, Goecke has added a new twist to things with faux finishing instead of wallpapering.

At times, Goecke's family assists her with her work. Daughters Liz, 12, and Chrissy, 9, have helped roll paint and rag wall. Husband Steve climbs ladders to conquer those hard-to-reach ceiling corners.

It was her husband's coaxing that took Goecke to the T&C Faux Finishing School in Michigan last year. There, she learned 30 different finishing techniques.

"There are many treatments that can be applied to give depth and texture to a wall," Goecke says. "The range is endless and there is almost nothing that can not be achieved with talent and color."

Goecke designs many of her own finishes, but is also skilled in replicating images and designs. Recently, she took on a project for a local musician that was a tribute to Eddie Van Halen. Goecke spent four days painting faux bricks on a basement wall. An additional two days were required to paint the soffit above in the stripe designs found on Van Halen's guitar.

A typical client is a person looking to add color and style to a home but doesn't have the time or skill to do the work. Marilyn Tillotson of Bettendorf is such a client.

"I want my home to look like it's professional done," Tillotson said.