by Tammy Taylor
Staff Writer
Cafe Muse & Studios hopes it is building momentum toward becoming the place to find live art and good coffee in Jacksonville.
Owners Edward Powers and Denise Von Blohn have had the idea of fusing live artistic creativity with the refinement of a cafe for a few years. They wanted a place where artists can create in the presence of one another while those who appreciate their abilities sit with a fresh cup of coffee.
The cafe has only art on the menu right now. However, with the help of private investors or City incentives, the pair hope to offer food for the palette as well as the eyes.
Powers and Von Blohn presented Cafe Muse & Studios’ first show last month. Friday marked the first run of “Ladies First,” a gallery showing that highlights women artists in Jacksonville.
Showings are held in a warehouse on Springfield’s Evergreen Street every Friday and Saturday night from 5 until 10 p.m. Powers said visitors get a first-hand view of the creative process.
“So often you walk into a gallery and don’t even know who the artist is,” said Powers. “This is more interactive. We encourage the artist to work on their craft in front of patrons. It is a lot easer for them to strike up a conversation, get to know one another, and see that not everything an artist produces is going to wind up on the walls of a gallery.”
Powers said that what sets Cafe Muse & Studios apart is that it focuses on the artist instead of just selling artwork.
“If an artist expresses drive, passion and desire to perfect their craft, our doors are open to them. We will find space and time for them,” he said.
To keep the gallery fresh, shows will change out every three to four weeks.
The first showing at Cafe Muse & Studios brought 150 people to the inaugural event.
“We had huge industrial lights, music going, artists painting,” said Powers. “Denise and I are happy with the first previews and just want to keep the momentum going. We’re at the point where we’ve come so far, and it’s impossible to just quit and give up.”
The two are finding it difficult to keep hold of the site they have chosen, 114 Walnut St. in Springfield. They hope extra income from food could add to their earnings from art sales. To make that a reality, they are currently looking for investors and, possibly, City incentives.
Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Director of Communications Jean Moyer said “Our guidelines are that the JEDC is used as a gap for financing once a financial plan is together. (Powers and Von Blohn) were still getting their private capital together when JEDC was approached. Right now, the risk is too great and the gap is too large.”
The acquisition of private investors could help secure City incentives from the JEDC.
“Right now, the only thing we have to offer is the selling of art work. The idea of having food to supplement the art is along the lines of galleries doubling as frame shops,” said Powers. “The idea of having food supplements the money brought in by art work.”
Powers said Cafe Muse & Studios will stay in the warehouse on Evergreen Street, even after the restorations on Walnut Street are complete to provide space for artists of all types to express their creativity.
“We’re not just about the visual artist. We want to open our doors to anyone with a creative flair.”