Excerpted from Argus Leader: Link Section, February 1, 2007

"INSPIRATION ... one cup at a time"
By Jay Kirschenmann
 

"As more coffee shops spring up around town, artists are finding them to be a casual place to show off their works

Besides soaking up the aromas at area coffeehouses, patrons are finding another way to enjoy the atmosphere: looking at the original artwork on the walls. Coffeehouses are traditionally a gathering spot for creative souls - writers, actors, poets and artists. It's also a great place for anyone to get away from the busy world and just kick back with a cup o' joe.

The newer coffeehouses are joining the ranks of several established places where the owners realize the value of going the extra step to change the scenery every few weeks.

As new coffeehouses add original art, artists are discovering that it's a new venue for selling their work.

Each coffee house we talked to takes no percentage, instead letting artists get the full price for their works. Their pieces do sell, and the artists get the money...."

"For the past 18 months, Michelle's, at 324 S. Phillips Ave., has hosted monthly exhibits by area artists.

'I find artists through friends of mine - I probably know 50 percent of them personally,' says owner Michelle Dill.

'The rest see that we have exhibits and ask if they can show.'

She likes the idea that her shop may be the first show for artists who have not shown their work at an exhibit.

'They may not have the money to frame everything the same way, as required by many galleries," Dill says. "We change it out every four weeks, and it gives both the customers and us something different to see.' ...

Artist Terry Bitner's work goes up at Michelle's on Monday, with a reception 7-9 p.m. Feb. 28....."

Excerpted from Argus Leader: Business Journal Section July 5, 2006

Comings & Goings

· ...Owner Michelle Dill has changed the name of Coffee 'N Clay, which she bought a year ago, to Michelle's. The coffee shop is at 324 S. Phillips Ave....

Excerpted from Argus Leader Business Section June 20, 2005

Kelly Hildebrandt

Coffee 'N Clay returns with a new owner

...Fresh new brew

Just across the street ... Coffee 'N Clay, at 324 S. Phillips Ave., reopened last week under the new ownership of Michelle Dill...

The coffee shop closed in May when manager Randy Perkins backed out on plans to manage the company, which his mother was going to purchase from owners Agnes and Bekka Steffens.

The Steffens' since sold the store to Dill, who has extensive experience in the coffee business, most recently at Black Sheep Coffee. The cafe has a full array of coffee drinks and a limited breakfast and lunch menu.

She intends to offer more vegetarian dishes and open a patio in the back of the building once construction is complete on the new federal Courthouse Square building.

Though she reopened as Coffee 'N Clay, Dill said she'll probably change the name within the next month or two.

"We repainted and just wanted to create a nice atmosphere that's sort of calming, where you can come in and grab a sandwich or whatever or have a meeting," she said.

 

Excerpted from Argus Leader Business Section May 11, 2005

Coffee 'N Clay closes, but it may reopen soon

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Coffee 'N Clay on Phillips Avenue closed Sunday but is likely to reopen soon.

The cafe, located at 324 S. Phillips Ave., sold coffee, specialty drinks and had a small lunch and dinner menu. The store was opened by Agnes and Bekka Steffens in 2002, but management was turned over to Randy Perkins several months ago.

Perkins said he had planned to purchase the business, rename it Green Planet Coffee and use the cafe as an art gallery for edgier artists.

But he closed the store Sunday because of lack of funding and has disconnected himself with the coffee shop, he said.

"I couldn't make some of the changes I needed to soon enough to make it financially feasible," Perkins said.

Perkins received City Council approval in April for a conditional-use permit to serve alcohol.

On Monday, a note was posted on the cafe's storefront that stated the owners intended to reopen.

"Coffee N Clay has been returned to Bekka and Agnes," the note read. "Please be patient with us. Hopefully we will be opening in the next few days. Agnes."

Agnes Steffens said she couldn't comment on the store's future because they're still trying to figure out what they're going to do.

She said was notified over the weekend that Perkins no longer wanted to buy the business, and currently she has no employees to work at the cafe.

Either way, whether she reopens it or sells it, the cafe is likely to reopen, Steffens said.