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is just decoration, but for others it is an essential part of the business. Below are profi les of four coff eehouses that take their art seriously.
G
ood coff ee and good art—this magical combination can be found in many coff eehouses. For some, the art
work of local artists since it opened in 2006. Co-owner Gary Chau says Santa Monica is a highly artist-friendly community, so displaying artwork seems natural. "We actually have quite a number of painters and sculptors who are regular visitors of our cafe," he says.
CAFFE LUXXE Caff e Luxxe in Santa Monica, Calif. has been exhibiting the
Th e exhibitions are planned and range in duration from one to three months, depending on the artists' request. New exhibitions are celebrated with opening parties, which are oſt en matched with other events—such as the Montana Avenue Art Walk, which happens along the street housing Caff e Luxxe'
to generate more interest and traffi c. Chau focuses exclusively on local artists, including those who work in his shop. "We have quite a few team members who are working artists," he says. "In fact, our last big exhibit featured the
s original location— 18 | July 2012 • www.specialty-coffee.com Caff e Luxxe doesn't just slap up whatever comes in the door.
combined works of two of our baristas. We also have a new exhibit coming up this July that will feature the works of one of our baristas, who took a one-month artist sabbatical in Italy last year.
does not earn a commission on the sales. "We're just really happy that we're able to bring local people together who appreciate art,
Th e artwork on Caff e Luxxe's walls is for sale, but the shop "
the art sales, as we want to make sure the hard-working artist makes 100 percent of the money. We link the potential buyer directly with the artists so they can make the exchange on their own, so I don't have to get involved in handling the fi nances."
" Chau says. "So we haven't ever taken a commission for
HANGIN ART GALLERY AND COFFEE HOUSE As the name implies, art is an essential part of the Hangin
Art Gallery and Coff ee House in Arlee, Montana. "Th e intent of the business has always been to be a
community development project utilizing community arts— making the work of local artists, writers, musicians, etc., visible to a larger audience,
not feel we could cover the costs of operating without another revenue stream, so we decided to also include an organic, free- trade espresso bar, desserts, and local ice cream."
" says partner Donna Mollica. "We did
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