The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Online Exclusives

Nov. 21, 2008

Empire Coffee and Tea displays artwork created by a variety of artists.

The artwork is changed out each month in order to give each artist the spotlight. The art is located at the train station on Fifth and Orange Street. The coffee shop is an old train car that has been refurnished inside.

Rachel Battershell, a public relations major, is a frequent customer and enjoys the artwork each month.

"The cozy environment is a great place to hang out with your friends during the cold winter days," Battershell said.

The simple train seats and tables are highlighted by colorful works of art, this month done by: Matt Barber, Andy Greer, Max Infeld or Mike Egan. Each piece is no larger than a sheet of paper and is framed in wooden frames some of which are splattered in paint.

Although the pieces come from different artists, they are all collage-like and colorful and are made from a combination of acrylic paint, pen, clippings and words to portray their feelings. The most outspoken piece was created with chopped up peace signs and multi-spray paint. The words read "cause they chose me" and ran down the right middle side of the painting.

Battershell can't decide whether she likes the coffee or art more, she said.

Nick Wilson, a third year student at Chico State tries to come at least once during the month to see the new art.

"I like the art not only because of the variety, but also because its local people," Wilson said.

Andrew Terrell owns Empire Coffee and Tea with his girlfriend and helps decide which art to display.

"It's pretty competitive. A lot of the artists are our friends," Terrell said.

Anyone can enter his or her work to the coffee shop. He or she can bring his or her portfolio to Empire Coffee and Tea.

The art combined with the environment in Empire Coffee and Tea brings variety to Chico.

Kyndrah Carson can be reached at Kcarson@theorion.com

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