People at a coffee shopThere are precious few places where the walls can talk. This happens to be one of them.

The walls of our cave speak volumes about the people who put their drawings, paintings, photos and whatnots on display.

The process is simple. You ask the barista to add your name to the schedule and some time later you own the walls for a month.

Nobody asks what kind of stuff you plan to show. There’s no judging or no curating. No prizes. Each month is an adventure.

It’s a joy to see unrecognized artists given a chance to share their creations.

Some of the works come out of tutored workshops but much is created in garages, basements and on dining room tables. It ranges from ‘naive’ to ‘indigenous’ to ’street art.” Some of the works have important things to say. Occasionally one of them will take your breath away.

The prices applied to the art will scarcely cover the cost of materials (works in cadmiums and ceruleans deserve a healthy surcharge)…but then a dollar value is a barbaric way to judge an artist’s output.

One day around noon Ruby could be seen walking toward the coffee shop from blocks away. She was carrying what turned out to be a work of assemblage art in progress.

She briefly stepped into the coffee shop to show it to the members of the clan. And as it has happened in caves through the millennia, we gathered around and eww-ed and ahh-ed.

Pat Shiplett

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  • Pat, good for all of you and your encouragement for the artists young and old. I also liked your post about Daniel Bliss and his interests. I don't think many of us expect affordable housing to come so much from increased supply as much as from sensible reduction of the time and the actions required for approval. Note that Florida, no cauldron of good sense, greatly reduced its own process with significant effect.

    • Sounds like a great way for local artists to gain some exposure and credibility. That coffee shop of yours continue to be inspiring. Thanks for sharing Ruby’s story, Pat!

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