Photos and Story by Joseph Boyle
During one of my many daily visits to Starbucks I had a chance to talk to Barista Edra regarding The Starbucks Community Art Wall.
Do you like art? Stop by The Lakewood Towne Center Starbucks located at 6040 Main St SW to discover the Starbucks Community Art Wall.
Walk in the front door and head to the back corner to your left to find the Art Wall.
Local artists from our community display their work on the Art Wall for free. You can enjoy a wide variety of art for free. You do not have to be a Starbucks customer to display or enjoy viewing the Art Wall.
Anyone of any age may ask to display his or her art. If you are a brand new artist in kindergarten, you may display your art. If you are the next 101-year-old Grandma Moses, you may display your art.
There is a reasonable weight limit and you have to be able to hang your art on the wall. There is no floor or shelf space for your art display.
Your display can run as long as three weeks.
Oh, the art must be family friendly.
If you are an artist and wish to do so, you are able to sell your artwork. Starbucks does not participate in your sale, nor does Starbucks take any share of your proceeds.
Since starting the program towards the end of 2009, about thirteen artists have participated. The wall has displayed paintings, watercolors, photographs and batik scarves.
Some of the artists produce their art right in the store in a demonstration fashion.
It is a fun way to open up an entirely new world, meeting artists and art patrons in our community.
The program is growing in popularity. At the time of this article, the Art Wall is scheduled through March 2011.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Resident Artist Edra in person at Starbucks or call her at 253-588-9404.
Hurry, maybe your art can be featured in April.
Susan Cowperthwate says
You can enjoy the art at the Moonrise Cafe behind Starbucks.
The Arts Commission is looking for businesses to display their art.
Ted Wier says
Is this the Joseph Boyle that was a Lakewood Police officer ??
Joe Boyle says
Yes, Ted. I worked 15 years in Lakewood with both the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and the Lakewood Police under our contract with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. I miss working for Lakewood. I am currently starting my 22 year with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
Joseph –