My Experience With Coffee Shop Art.

I don't mind coffee shop art--as long as its original!

I, myself, displayed artworks in two different coffee shops. In one, I displayed mixed media fish in the spirit of Northwest Coast Native American style. I wanted people to see something that reminded me of home while I was living in Maine. (Home being Seattle!) And while I am Native American--I felt weird because I am not of the Northwest Coast! I had an inquiry but was reluctant to sell. It was original--I didn't look at anyone's art of Northwest Coast to do my design but I was reluctant to sell for this reason. I had the black stylized outlines and colored bodies. My process was definitely original and a blast to do! These artworks are currently MIA (missing in action) as I gave them away...

Art of this nature ranges from Washington State up through Canada to Alaska. Check out Tlingit artist, Jim Schoppert, for a modern take on the traditional!

Video: Spirit of the Trees: People of the Cedar (Northwest Tribes)

Jim Schoppert: Fragments of Formline through Land and space...

I would recommend art students, folk artists and those just starting their art careers (or maybe you are seasoned!) to display in a coffee shop! Think about the people handling your artwork, contracts, and location--will it be worth your while and risk? You can put it on an artist resume--give yourself a show title and/or talk it out with the coffee shop owner. Maybe they will hold a special artist reception for you at the start of your showing...lt's a way to get your name out there, be seen and a resume builder. --Take photos and document yourself. Get your toes wet!

Video: How to write your first artist CV

(CV=Curriculum Vitae aka "course of life")