TUE 8 MAR 2005
One World Cafe new haven for art
By Christina NavarroArgonaut Staff
Through windows that hug the busy corner of Sixth and Main Street, art and life interact between the walls of the new One World Cafe.
The cafe ties together artistic culture from the University of Idaho and Moscow’s downtown. Two of the owners are UI professors, and students and local artists exhibit their artwork in the cafe.
One of four co-owners, Steffen Werner, is a professor in the UI psychology department.
He said the owners always wanted a place in the community where people could just hang out that was kid-friendly and incorporated art.
“A lot of people in the artistic community want to be a part of it,” Werner said.
Co-owner Brandy Sullivan said she envisions the cafe as being a large gathering place to bring the community together after outings to places such as the Farmers’ Market or the Co-Op.
“It’s another option for people to do together when in downtown Moscow,” Sullivan said.
Local artist Henry Stinson and graduate student Jayme Jacobson contributed to the cafe’s art-saturated atmosphere with paintings hung from the crumbled stucco and brick walls.
“I think that the One World Cafe really embodies that spirit of openness to different perspectives,” Jacobson said. “And I think that it’s a good fit for the community of Moscow, which is, after all, very quirky and eclectic.”
She said her piece on display, “Look,” is the last piece of art that she produced before going back to school to study visual perception.
“I’m really glad to see that so much artwork has gone up,” Jacobson said.
Cafe employee Abigail Anderson said people seem to love the coffee and the atmosphere at the cafe. She said seeing local art displayed lets the public know the community supports art.
“Locals feel proud to see the work of their fellow Muscovites displayed to the public,” Anderson said. “Since some of the work depicts local landscape and scenery, it also gives people an appreciation for the beauty of the Palouse and this town.”
Several doors hang from the cafe ceiling, but they have deeper meaning.
“We enjoy and want everyone to come in,” manager Alanna Spencer said. “The hanging doors symbolize open doors to the world.”
The original opening was scheduled for Jan. 15, but was bumped to March 1 so the owners could finish up on final details.
Spencer said locals anticipated the cafe’s unveiling. She said passersby would try to peek through the newspaper-covered windows before the opening.
“The suspense would increase every time I walked by,” sophomore marketing major Keith Bryant said. “And it was worth the wait.”
On opening day, there was a line outside the door at 7 a.m., Spencer said.
“That line didn’t let up until around noon,” Anderson said.
Beyond sliding barn-style doors in the cafe, there is a study or conference room that holds up to eight people and has a chalkboard.
There is background music, but an oak stage in one corner will someday be used for live acts.
Spencer said the cafe is planning for different bands, including popular bluegrass band Oracle Shack, to play Fridays and Saturdays.
Along with the assortment of baked goods provided by Wheatberries and Sage Bakery, bagel lovers can try classic New York bagels that are shipped directly by Federal Express.
“We’re the only place in Moscow where you can get bagels from Brooklyn, N.Y.,” Werner said.
Spencer said the cafe’s atmosphere is very relaxed and it will even stay open past closing time on nights that are really busy.
One World Cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Depending on demand, Friday and Saturday hours might be extended.
Arts&Culture Editor: Jon Ross
UI Argonaut, 301 Student Union, Moscow, ID 83844
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