When In Manhattan

Avant-Grande

By Oliver Peterson

Ever since Starbucks came to East Hampton, people can be seen strolling our thoroughfares with coffee in hand. Yes, there was a time when a devout few would clutch their Barefoot Contessa or Golden Pear beverages, but not until the advent of the mighty Starbucks did coffee, like Crocs and a Bluetooth, become an essential part of the Hamptons ensemble. Part of me wants to denounce the super company and fight for the few remaining small businesses in the java game, but I have to admit that I’m impressed with what Starbucks presents. This does not, however, stop me from supporting my hometown Sag Harbor café, Java Nation. They’re good people with good coffee and they supply me with the burlap that graces almost every painting I create. This is the charm of the small business.

A recent issue of The Financial Times described a February 14th memo that had been sent out by Starbucks Corp. Chairman Howard Schultz. He explained to executives that the measures taken to facilitate the company’s expansion had forced a “watering down” of the brand. Automatic espresso machines, bagged coffee and some standardized design had, in Schultzs’ opinion, created a “sterile” “cookie cutter” feeling that goes against his vision for the chain, which has grown from 1000 stores to over 13,000 in the last decade. He asked that the traditions and soul of the past be recreated for the “true Starbucks experience.” Schultz is right. One of the great things about Starbucks is their ability to make each store a welcoming, neighborhood hang out. Bridgehampton’s location has hosted exhibitions of local art, musical performances, and other events like poetry readings and open mic nights. It is this connection to the community that makes a giant corporation in the Hamptons more palatable. I know several employees (partners) of the business and have been affirmed that they treat their people well, as all companies should. As we know from many investigations into such monsters as Wal-Mart, this isn’t always the case. Points for Starbucks.

In another development concerning Starbucks partners, the coffee giant has kindly put together an art exhibit in both Chicago and Manhattan featuring the art of their partners. It’s not unusual for a company like this to hire many young people struggling to make it in the arts. “Avant-Grande” should not only boost morale for workers, but also provide them with a first shot at beginning their careers in the arts. In January, word was sent out to the many stores in the New York Metropolitan area, including the Hamptons. A somewhat recent addition to the Starbucks East Hampton roster, Heather Brady, 24, along with fellow barista Tiana Clark, 27, decided to give it a shot and submitted photographs. Both women were accepted and will be exhibited along with 60 others spanning all mediums of visual art. Brady has been at Starbucks for 6 months since leaving her job at Hampton Photo Arts in Bridgehampton. She has been taking pictures for 10 years and now plans to take the steps for a career in photography. Brady has interviewed at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and plans to make the move to the city leaving Springs, her lifelong home, behind. Look for her 20 x 16-inch 35mm photograph “Tramonto” (sunset in Italian) depicting a salt marsh landscape beautifully rendered in red, at Landing Lane in Springs. At press time it has not been confirmed whether Brady’s second submission “View from Ballycarbery Castle” in Ireland, will be on display.

“Avante-Grande,” an art exhibit by Starbucks employees will have their opening gala on Thursday, March 2, from 7-11 p.m. at the Chelsea Art Museum at 556 W. 22nd Street. Tickets are $20 at the door and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Russell, Danny, and Reverend Run Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides arts access and education to NYC youth and exhibition opportunities for emerging artists of color. With ideas like this and his progressively regressive attitude about his business, Howard Schultz is on the right track to keep Starbucks cool and current for years to come. For more, visit your local Starbucks or go to www.avantgrande.com.