A café in Exmouth that sells local artists’ work has weathered the pandemic and now stocks the creations of more than 45 different local artists.
Infusion Art Café first opened in 2018. It was taken over by its current owner, Harriet Bates, eight months later in March 2019.
Harriet, who spent much of her adult life as a crew member sailing private yachts, and also living in Brighton, said ending up in Exmouth felt like kismet (that is, fate).
Harriet Bates (Nub News, Will Goddard)
After describing her ideal business as a ‘little cafe, or a little art shop’ to a local artist, the opportunity to buy the café came up the very same day.
She said: “I’d just described a business and suddenly it was here, and I had to give it a go. That’s about as much thought that went into it!”
Describing the café-cum-art gallery, Harriet said: “Our groove has always been a little bit wild and wacky and abstract and fun, cheerful art.
“We support over 45 different local artists, and a few from further afield. Anna Fitzgerald is our runaway seller by a mile, and then Brendan Rawlings is quite well known, Angie Seaway… Louise Kelly.
“[Anna Fitzgerald embodies] the sort of art I’m trying to promote: just happy, in-your-face art that will make you smile.”
Examples of artwork, cards, jewellery for sale (Nub News, Will Goddard)
As a café, it sells hot drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies, alongside vegan and gluten-free cakes. As an art gallery, it has paintings, sculptures, jewellery, postcards, and more for sale on a commission basis.
You can find Infusion Art Café on Beacon Hill, Exmouth near the Manor Gardens and here on Google Maps.