The 430 AM Coffee House in Chippewa Falls is one of those quaint little cafes that values art as much as the fine food and drinks that they serve. Both the interior and the exterior of the business are decorated in a pleasing way that catches the eye.
The walls of the coffee house are currently decorated with a stunning display of artwork. The artists are Wendy Keis and Stacy Carlson-Kelly who both have ties to the area.
Wendy Keis passed away on May 1st, 2018. She had enormous talent and her work will stop you in your tracks. Of particular note are the three small studies of dancers displayed together on the first wall you see when you come through the door.
Keis’s mastery of light and form is highly evident, particularly with the image of the backlit dancer staring at her shadow. These three pieces are done in pen and ink and pencil, and they are a true inspiration as to what can be done with the most basic of art supplies.
The opposite wall features some of Keis’s stunning work with pastel and paints. Again her complete mastery of color, shade, and form can be seen in the pieces on display. The artwork of Wendy Keis is from a private collection and it’s not for sale. But if you happen to be in Chippewa Falls, it’s worth stopping in to admire the work of this truly fantastic artist.
The rest of the store space is dedicated to the work of Stacy Carlson-Kelly. Carlson-Kelly’s work is very organic and features wonderful and natural color combinations. Her paintings are abstract with strongly delineated zones of complimentary colors or shades of similar colors.
Carlson-Kelly’s work is very relaxing, and it’s enjoyable to contemplate her paintings as you enjoy your morning coffee. Her work would be perfect for an office because after sitting and looking at a computer screen all day, images of organic lines and soft color provide your eyes with just the break they need.
The 430 AM Coffee House has always been an ally to local artists, writers, and other creatives. Their art display changes regularly, and it always highlights the work of tremendous area artists.
Before she passed away, Wendy Keis had been an employee at the cafe. There is a chalk drawing on a black background on permanent display which features the cafe itself. This image was also done by Wendy Keis, and it’s a delightful representation of the spirit of the 430 AM Coffee House.
The local cafe should be a gathering point for people to come together and start their day with a smile and a word of encouragement. 430 AM achieves that objective and more.
If you’re in the Chippewa Valley and you’re interested in having a look at some of the best artwork on display in the area, make sure to schedule some time to stop and visit the 430 AM Coffee House. The coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies are also fantastic.
Address: 608 N Bridge St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
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