Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Art, Kids and COFFEE!















Art. Kids. COFFEE! What a great combination. I was so lucky to find Family Grounds, a new coffee shop in Chicago. A friend of mine stopped in and told me, "This place would be perfect for your art."  I had been wanting to display my RaspberryKidz in a coffee shop, but what makes this the perfect fit? Well, not only do they have fabulous walls for displaying art, Family Grounds isn't just a coffee shop. It also has an indoor playground. There's a comfortable area for adults, and in  a separate 1500 square foot room, there's an area for kids to be kids. Adults can also go in this area (with their coffee and food and computers—they have free WiFi), but there are also "activity leaders" available to "assist and guide children in mind-stimulating, educationally-driven activities." So, everyone is happy. 

Above you can see pictures of how RaspberryKidz look in the space. The couch my kids are sitting on is right inside the door (in the adult area, after you pass the stroller parking). The coloring table is also great. It's located in the main cafe, so if you have to wait a bit to get in (when I've been there the play area was at capacity), there's something for the kids to do. Or, if you prefer to stay in the main cafe, it's a good thing for older kids. The picture of Sam giving the "thumbs up" was her review of the m&m cookie she just finished. There's also a Common Room, a private room where you can hold meetings or events (Lollipop Fairy, Lightning Bug Fairy and Sisters are located there). I only have one picture that shows some of the play area. As I said, it was very busy when I was in, and I didn't want to get pictures of the kids playing.

I think John and Brady (the owners) did a great job grouping and hanging the art. I couldn't be happier! 

9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful place to display your art! Delightful!

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  2. Your daughter looks like she helped herself to a big espresso. Too cute. :)

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  3. That looks like a great place! Congrats on them displaying your art.

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  4. Rachel - those look great there! Congrats!

    And I agree with Jillian - Sam definitely needs to cut back on the caffeine. :)

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  5. what a great place and your art work looks fantastic in there. where are they located. i would love to take the kids!!

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  6. They're at 3652 N Lincoln Avenue, just south of Trader Joe's (on the other side of the street). And they have a parking lot....bonus! It does fill up though, but there is also some parking around the area.

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  7. Hey Rachel, your art looks great on display. Isn't it a wonderful feeling when someone wants to put your work on their walls. Congrats on getting the show :) T.

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  8. Congrats! I wish I was in Chicago and could check that place out. Sounds really cool!

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