Java and art come together at new gallery

An Amherstview café is giving its customers a coffee fix in a whole new way.

Starting this month, Town Coffee Plus will be showcasing the work of local artists in an expanded area of the shop.

"It's an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work," said artist and co-ordinator Barbara Simard. "Artists are always looking for a venue to showcase their art for show and for sale, so it’s a great opportunity."

When Town Coffee Plus opened in November of last year, its owner Doug Smith knew opening an art gallery adjacent to the seating area would be a great addition.

"I have a desire to be different and unique and offer something that, as far as we know, other places are not offering," said Smith. "In business, there is nothing to be gained by doing the exact same as everybody else."

It's also important to support the work of local artists.

"It's an opportunity to do something for the community, for the community of artists, and for people who want to see the art," said Smith. "Some artists have their own galleries, which cost a lot of money. I know there must be lots of other artists who have one of the rooms in their house dedicated to their art, but in order to have a chance to display it, they have to find someone like me or rent a storefront and pay a lot in rent. We're pleased to provide the opportunity."

Simard agrees it's very important for people to support visual art.

"I think it's really important to be able to appreciate the creative talent that we have in our own community," said Simard. "There is a great variety."

Each month, the cafe will feature work of two new artists.

Simard's work is adorning the walls of the café this month, along with pictures by local photographer Nicole Couture-Lord.

A fabric artist, Simard creates scenes with nature photographs she has taken.

"Being in nature has always been my 'go-to place' and I find working with my photograph of a nature scene or a natural setting takes me back to that special place for continued enjoyment," said Simard.

Couture-Lord is also thrilled to be a part of the new arts-based initiative.

"It's a good place to have hot coffee for one," said Couture-Lord with a laugh. "But people can check out art free of charge. They don't have to go into a museum to see some local art. There is lots of talent out there, it's just that people are not maybe aware of it."

Simard says although all the artists have been selected for this year, she is already on the lookout for artists to be featured next year.

It's not a juried selection process; it's just a chance for artists of all kinds to showcase their work.

"We're looking for artists from a variety of mediums," said Simard. "There's too many too choose from, really. There are so many artists, it's wonderful. I'm sure as we get going along there will be even more. But it's not a matter of choosing someone, because it's not about a choice, it's just inviting people to display their art."

Smith is encouraging everyone to check out the café for the chance to expose themselves to the artistic talent in the area.

"They have a chance to see what others in the community are doing, and see what talents are available," said Smith.

The cafe and gallery is located in the Loyalist Plaza in Amherstview at Bath Road and Sherwood Drive. Cutline: Nicole Couture-Lord hangs one of her photographs in the new gallery located in Amherstview.

From: kingstonthisweek.com