KYN: Studio Cafe Emphasizes Creative Potential

DULUTH, Minn.– Coffee shop owner Pete Pascente said that being creative is a deep-rooted trait, that needs to be explored. What used to be Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters, became an opportunity for new potential in Downtown Duluth.

“I love coffee, I love really good coffee. I am also a creative in my heart, so I wanted to develop some kind of space to do creative things with creative people. And I thought a coffee shop would be a really good combo for that. And I think that’s true,” said Pascente.

Pascente followed his heart and developed what is now the Studio Cafe on September 8th.

“Creating I think is a very wholesome activity, it does something to us. When we are allowed to express our creativity, it’s a part of wholehearted living. I think as humans we need to do that and have an outlet,” said Pascente.

Another thing he was hoping to solve is accessibility with arts and crafts.

“The premise here is to try and starting somewhere a little easier and more accessible. You know, I’ve never painted before in my life I don’t want to go out to the store and buy paints, or take an expensive class or anything like that,” explained Pascente.

And with that, came the start of the art library that is free to use. Some guests even like to express themselves musically.  Like Adelyn McCorison.

“It has things like acrylics, and yarn, and some crocheting needles, and colored pencils and all sorts of papers and cardstocks and random crafting supplies,” listed Pascente.

There are even some plans in place for people who don’t know where to begin.

“There are some books you can come here and check them out, and just read them at the table and you can figure out how to paint. And we’re going to do some office hours with some local painters and things like that. So, they’ll be here and available to help out with knowing where to start,” said Pascente.

And with the completed art, a lot of it remains displayed in the shop, a key reminder of the sense of community the cafe is developing.

Pascente is also encouraging people to donate to the art library as well, to make sure it is well stocked and available.

All of this together, creating a picture-perfect space for people to express themselves creatively.