Dear Friends,

Phoenix Books and Cafe is adding a new color to its palette with the launch of The Gallery at Phoenix Books. The Gallery at Phoenix has joined the Vermont Crafts Council, and will focus on Vermont artists and artisans. Phoenix is participating in the inaugural Foliage Open Studio Weekend on October 1st and 2nd, sponsored by the council. Please join us for this event, which marks our grand opening! 

I'd like to invite every art lover to our opening reception on the evening of Saturday, October 1st to meet many of these wonderful and talented artists. And, don't miss the opportunity during the weekend to drop in on the public demonstrations and discussions by a fabulous group of artists from the Essex Art League.

The Gallery builds on our long-standing relationship with the Essex Art League - whose works we've exhibited since the store opened in 2007. Phoenix also features pottery by Vermont artisans Judith Bryant, Warren Dixon and Lynn Flory. The level of talent and skill is simply amazing in our own community. Vermont artists rival any in New York or Boston.

I believe the commitment to sell functional and fine art puts Phoenix in a unique position among bookstores: This is a lot more than hanging paintings by local artists on a wall, as you see in a restaurant. This is about making a commitment to artists to expand their reach into a new community.

You can see, taste, touch and hold everything we sell here - unlike the virtual stuff online. Having a bookstore, with a cafe offering beer and wine and displaying beautiful works of art...it stimulates all of our senses. I proudly say we're for mindful, thoughtful people - without being elitist or snooty! After all, you need to make a thoughtful choice just to visit our bookstore. I want to invite all art lovers to walk through our doors and see for yourselves how these works enhance and energize the physical space. It is quite transforming.