Spotted: New Art

One thing that is a given in any town is that every coffee house will have some student art. And almost always it is like opening a bottle of Bartles and James Wine Cooler. It sounded good at the time but now it is just too damn sweet and often leaves one with a raging tummy ache.

Bad art can has this effect as well.

While at my favorite eatery in Grand Rapids, Marie Catrib's, I stumbled upon one artist's work who may have been overlooked by some in the artworld, but I found her paint brush's touch amusing and fun.

Karen Godfrey has taken a page from my childhood memory and slapped it right on the canvas for all the world to see. Taking a 45 rpm record's song title she has spun off the vinyl a slathering of paint inspired by what happens between the grooves.

For those too young to remember, it was the 45 record that built the careers of Elton John, The Bee Gees, and Peaches and Herb. It was a novel little seven inches that fit just nicely until we could handle a full 12 inches of pressed vinyl. Ah, good times.

So if you are out and about in Grand Rapids and wish to see a fun collection of paintings, make Marie Catrib's your destination. You can have a turkish coffee, some eggs with toast, and even view first hand what Karen has done to Simon and Garfunkle's Bridge Over Troubled Water. It will lay you down.

Marie Catrib's
1001 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids
616.454.4020

Located in East Hills Center of the Universe, Catrib's serves up fresh homemade sandwiches, daily soups and entrees including Middle Eastern selections. Bakery and large dessert menu also featured.