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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 11, 2007 - 29 CJ's Café caters to artists and art lovers By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF There's a scene that changes frequently in the front corner of CJ's Café. It's there for artists to depict, as indicated by the sign: `This is a still life!' That's the first indication CJ's isn't your usual café. Its walls are covered with the art of local artists, all of which is for sale. And if the timing's right, a poetry reading or even a concert will be going on in the small café while the coffee is brewing. Then there's the ceiling ­ a painting of a cow replaces a ceiling panel over the cash register. "We're making Oakville's Sistine Chapel," said a smiling CJ Martin, owner and operator of the Bronte Café, which celebrates its one year anniversary tomorrow (April 12). "I'm adding one painting a month. This will be that place with the funky ceiling." So far, Martin's ceiling collection is up to seven. That's just one more place she can display local artistic talent, one of the major reasons Martin, an artist and poet, opened the café in the first place. "The Artworks program gives local artist an opportunity to show, but there aren't enough places for artists to show. There aren't enough places for performing arts to get out and perform, entertain," she said, while sipping on a coffee. "Usually you go to Toronto if you want to hear a singer songwriter. I think there's a bit "It's much cheaper than a gallery, because my bread and butters is actually bread and butter." CJ Martin, owner CJ's Cafe RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER JOIN IN: CJ Martin (right) with one of her featured artists, oil-painter Manon Crevier, enjoying a coffee at CJ's Cafe. of a hunger in people to get out and enjoy those things right in Oakville. There's also a need for local musicians, and musicians in general, to get exposure." A longtime member of the Oakville Arts Council, Martin has no trouble finding artists to hang their work on her walls. Each show lasts one month and the paintings include prices and are ready to be sold then and there. "I make it really easy for people to purchase. That's one of my priorities," she said. Whereas art shows at Town Hall or in the Library are valuable to showcase local art, Martin says, "People might be interested in it, but they can't buy it impulsively." At a recent show, CJ's sold five pieces in five days and earned the artist three commissions. At a student show earlier this year, a 14-year-old sold her first work. When it comes to the commission she makes off the works, Martin says simply, "It's much cheaper than a gallery, because my bread and butter is actually bread and butter." Just as it was under the previous owners at 2416 Lakeshore Rd. W., the café is there to satisfy stomachs ­ CJ's offers a hot, all day breakfast, soups, salads and sandwiches in addition to café mainstays and deserts. "Were as far into being a restaurant as you can be when you don't have the kitchen facilities right on site," said Martin, who added, "My lattes are the best." When she opened the doors of CJ's café a year ago, it was the realization of a dream she'd had for years. "Having a creative restaurant, a creative café, has kind of been popping up in my See CJ's page 32 WE ARE COMFORT KEEPERS TM Non-Medical In-Home Care That's At Comfort Keepers, we help individuals maintain full and independent lives in the comfort of their own home. · Companionship · Incidental Transportation · Laundry · Light Housekeeping · Meal Preparation · Errands, Shopping · Recreation, Crafts · Medication Reminders · Grooming, Dressing · Personal Care Services: - Bathing, Hygiene - Incontinence Care Screened, Trained & Bonded Staff Over 510 offices throughout North America. Each office independently owned & operated NOW BUYING SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING WE PAY CASH! Loving in-home care is just a phone call away. Call us today for more information and free in-home consultation. sr r TM Serving Hamilton & Halton Region www.comfortkeepers.com 905-845-3030 www.ouaccanada.com