Studio Coffee creates space for coffee and watching artists in action

A visit to Studio Coffee is a feast for the senses. The smell of freshly brewed organic coffee hits your nose the minute you walk in to the comforting space. Wait for that first steamy sip while you are looking at brightly colored works of art.Through a window behind the counter you can see budding artists working on their creations in a studio area.

Studio Coffee is part coffee house, part art gallery. It’s the latest addition to the popular Donna Downey Studios, at 501 S. Old Statesville Road, in the south end of Huntersville.

Owner Bill Downey opened the store to complement his wife Donna’s work as an artist. Donna teaches workshops at the studio and abroad.

“We’ve been able to build a really loyal clientele,” said Downey, referencing both businesses.

The entry hall to Studio Coffee looks more like a gallery, showcasing Donna’s original art pieces. Yes, everything is for sale. You can also browse a line of T-shirts and sweatshirts, journals and jewelry designed by Donna.

“We’re really trying to create a social house where people can come and hang out and work and have coffee and check out art,” Downey said.

Downey would love to offer live music too but there just isn’t enough space.

Yet.

The couple has been leasing the location since 2009 and is now developing plans for an expansion at a new location. Along with the studio and coffee house, they hope to add outdoor seating, café components, and a bed and breakfast on the top floor to house visiting art students and artists. Downey hopes to complete the project by the end of 2017.

As for the drinks, Studio Coffee features about 10 different kinds of organic coffees. Among the most popular blends are Sea Turtle and Mocha Java.

“The way we prepare it and serve it is an art form too,” said Downey.

Single origin coffees and pour over coffees are among their specialties. Downey said art and coffee just fit together. He even uses a roaster out of the Raleigh area named Joe Van Gogh.

Studio Coffee is open weekdays from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday it is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information on the art and the coffee, check out donnadowney.com.

Photos: Studio Coffee, Allison Andrews

This story was originally published November 27, 2016 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Studio Coffee creates space for coffee and watching artists in action."