Visiting The Brew for a casual Cinco de Mayo noon-time pregame. A local artist, S. Bloodbloom is having the opening reception for her art show “Everything and Nothing”. The local Art scene is a facet of the Albuquerque culture that is oftentimes overlooked. Drowned out by the loud and proud Music scene that has been tumultuously-yet-steadily growing. Musicians are loud by nature thus it is natural for the scene to reflect the personalities that make it. In addition, Music has been globally accepted to be a line of business. There are endless books, blogs, magazines, courses, and even “coaching agencies” that aim to teach hungry musicians how to operate and market their music like a business so there are musicians everywhere applying this knowledge to make themselves more visible. Art, however, is not widely considered to be a line of business. There are less blogs and books that approach being an artist as a form of business. In fact, most artists I meet in town are either unaware of the viable strategies they can use to sell more art, or are completely against any type of marketing for their art that involves anything more than an exhibit or a show. I see artists as being reflective, observant people with poor social skills. Musicians are exactly the same way. However, a musician’s creative outlet demands attention, whereas an artist’s creative outlet sits quietly on a coffee shop wall. This is the reason that the Art Scene is so overlooked by the majority of people in this city. It is simply not loud enough.
The Brew is orderly and clean. The staff members (whose names I sadly didn’t ask) are friendly and personable. One of them saw me taking pictures and she asked if I am using a wide-angle lens. I’m not; but for the type of shots I’m trying to get, I should be. She alluded to being be a photographer as well. I enjoy going to places that have staff members that are genuinely friendly and treat you like a person rather than just a customer. This is a valuable skill and these types of people should be more valued in their places of work. I end up ordering an iced mocha to start. Truthfully, it was a little weak for my taste and I was slightly underwhelmed by it. I anticipated to be here no more than 30 minutes but, after looking around and getting to talk to the artist and her friends, I end up staying a little more than an hour. I decide to order a second drink. I ask the barista what is their most unique drink. She recommends the Nitro Brew. A fun, refreshing drink with a slight fizz. “It looks like beer” she said.
It has a bold flavor and doesn’t taste like it came out of a can too much. It’s a hot afternoon so it’s perfect. I don’t caffeinate myself very often so these two coffee drinks had me feeling extra alert for the rest of the day. I noticed the staff was very accommodating of the artist’s presence. While I was there, someone suggested that the chairs that are along the wall be made to face the wall so that the art is easy to see. They agreed and quickly rearranged all the chairs and coffee tables.
I find the art to be phenomenal. The theme of most pieces is floral and lively, with dark and dying backgrounds. The artist uses natural red tones to create a deep and bloody black for the background of nearly every piece. Although flowers represent natural beauty and livelihood, the context of the pieces are more resembling of funeral flowers. I didn’t take pictures of the art because I believe a picture of a painting is as worthless as a cellphone recording of a live concert from 180 yards away. Go to The Brew, enjoy some of their coffee, and look at S. Bloodbloom’s art in person. The art will be up for most of May.
It was a relaxing event to attend. I was the only stranger in attendance yet everyone was interesting enough and outgoing enough that I didn’t feel out of place. People were crowded around the beautiful table of hors d’oeuvres provided by the artist.
I love art and I love business. I love seeing local businesses collaborating with local artists to lift their respective scenes. Art shows are a fantastic way to do this. On one hand, the artist validates and legitimizes his/her art by putting it on display for anyone to see and purchase. On the other hand, a simple and personal art show such as Bloodbloom’s “Everything and Nothing” brings business for the duration of the show and possible new customers who wouldn’t have heard of the business otherwise. Not to mention, associating a positive experience such as attending a friend’s art show with the business creates repeat-customers and strengthens brand recognition.
The Brew is located Downtown at 311 Gold Ave SW. They are only closed on Sunday and close at 5 during the week. Follow them on Instagram.