NORWICH – In an effort to bring more arts and entertainment into the downtown arena one local cafe is beginning to offer both on a monthly basis.
Uncorked Cafe, locally owned by the Central 12 Restaurant Group is located at 28 South Broad Street and has been a major player in providing live music month after month. From 7-10 p.m. on Friday, June 20 that effort continues with the music stylings of singer/songwriter Mike Davis. Davis, a Norwich native is currently working on his release of his first solo album which features new tracks, an array of ballads and upbeat melodies. Over the past 15 years Davis has traveled up and down the East coast and as far west as Washington performing with various bands and on his own.
“I am really trying to push my solo efforts right now, I still play with a few bands but ultimately I would love to get my own music out,” said Davis.
In addition to the live entertainment, artist Rosa Oliveri from Utica, NY, will be on hand for the first artist meet and greet at the cafe from 7-9 p.m.
Every two months, Uncorked features local artwork on a rotating basis. Open to several mediums, the cafe has featured everything from abstract paintings to local landscape photographs.
Oliveri, a modern abstract artist says she feels as though her spirituality has played a big role in her work and each piece takes her on a different journey.
“My art is influenced by knowledge. Science, theoretical astrophysics, atoms, geometry of growth and form, Geometry of the balance of the planets, and the patterns in the sky. The Stars. I hope to share and give what is of pure clarity of what I have learned over the years, into my artwork.”
The process of creating, Oliveri said, is influenced by the many thoughts that seem to have no definite answers. “If what we think is reality is indeed just a dream, or if a dream is reality, things like this are why I continue to make art,” she said.
As her life continues to move forward, her ambitions rise and her style mimics the many life events the artist has encountered, the viewer can track the changes by the way her art has progressed. “Dreams play a role in my subject matter too,” said Oliveri. “I often try to brew my conclusions and thoughts of my dreams into my artwork, although the moonshine isn't always clear.”
Oliveri has been showing over a dozen pieces along the main wall at Uncorked since the beginning of May. The artist has an array of work differing in both style and subject matter. The bold color combinations coupled with the varying mediums leave the viewer to come to their own conclusions. Oliveri will be on hand on June 20 from 7-9 p.m. to meet with the public, answer questions and show her off her work.
Uncorked is currently looking for more artists interested in showing at the cafe. The art is displayed on a two month rotation at no charge for the artist. Artist meet and greets will take place coinciding with the cafe's musical performances. For more information about art displays call Jill Kraft at 244-1445 or stop into the cafe today.