It’s no secret that here in the Pacific Northwest, we love our coffee.  Caffiing up is taken very seriously around these parts.  Our coffee house experiences are not limited to the ubiquitous Starbucks.  The most wonderful, interesting coffee joints are the independent  shops, where they might roast their own beans onsite ( these are the places my hubby prefers ), the baristas are extremely knowledgeable and are generally a whole heckuvalotta fun.  So I was very excited that Seattle artist Marsha Glaziere has created a series of works inspired by the coffee houses of Puget Sound.  She’s put 13 of the series into a 2012 calendar, here’s a peek at the cover art:

The calendar is a prelude to her upcoming book, eclectic COFFEE spots in Puget Sound, a “table coffee book”. ( Get it? 🙂 ) An excerpt from the book’s introduction gives us a peek into the driving force behind this new series:

“It is very hard, if not impossible, to live in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Puget Sound region, and not become seduced by, and ultimately become part of, the pervasive coffee culture that thrives in this part of the country—come rain or shine. 

In our increasingly-fast-paced world of electronics, hyperactivity, and constant change, gathering with friends, even coffeehouse strangers, perhaps fulfills our deep-seated desire for community. Whether we engage in conversation or focus on a book, our computer or on the artwork exhibited, being anchored in the company of others may be as satisfying as a cup of coffee itself.”  

As a lover of both independent coffee houses and Starbucks ( what can I say, I’m a sucker for their diabetic-coma inducing drinks ), I was so excited to see that Marsha had chosen to document these places that will surely be remembered as an important part of life and culture in the 21st century.

Marsha’s artistic style fits so well with her subject, the sketchy, seemingly fleeting movement of her lines, her use of negative space and primarily light washes of color provide a spontaneity and lightheartedness that seems perfect for capturing these modern day salons.

This calendar is ideal for the art and/or coffee lover on your gift list!  You can see all thirteen calendar images and place your order here.  While you’re there, be sure to wander around the rest of Marsha’s website to see more of this artist’s incredible work.  And buy a calendar!  You’ll be checking someone off your shopping list AND supporting an artist.  Win-win!

Featured image is Starbucks, The Original at Pike Place Market ( March ).  All images are via the artist or her website.