Artist Collaboration Series: Welcome to the Gallery!

We are so excited to launch this Artist Collaboration Series where we use our microlot and limited releases program to feature up and coming artists and their work.

We commission several illustrations for the limited releases throughout the year. We share the first sample roast of each coffee with the artist to see what the cup inspires and what creative magic finds its way onto the labels. Check out our collaborations so far in this virtual gallery. When we do our next artist call, we'll post all of the details here as well.

Current Featured Artist - Phoebe Lo

Meet Phoebe Lo, our second featured artist of this series. In addition to working at a local nonprofit supportingVermont’s entrepreneurs (VCET), Phoebe has been a freelance graphic designer for 8+ years. In the past she has begun painting commissions and muraling on a large scale for both residential and commercial projects.  Although doing art full time is very new to her, she is leaning into it because she loves the artistic collaborations. And we're so glad she is!
Phoebe loves to explore color and often gravitates towards palettes that are both activating and calming. Her art is primarily centered around abstract forms and botanical elements. Phoebe's  favorite way to brew coffee is  Aeropress, or Chemex on a slow morning:)

Check out Phoebe's work here and on Instagram: @goldenourstudio.      

 

 

 

2020/2021 Featured Artist - Matt deForest Jenkins

Meet Matt deForest Jenkins, our first featured artist of this series. Matt is not only a talented illustrator and designer, but also a talented barista which makes this first collaboration extra special.  We fell in love with Matt's work several years ago for its whimsical visuals, stunning color compositions and overall playfulness.

Check out Matt's work here and on Instagram:@matt_deforest_art

Mexico Finca La Estancia Anaerobic Natural  

"This is a wild coffee. When I first tried it, I recall being deliciously overwhelming...All the flavors seemed to flow nicely wit one another to seamlessly create a very enjoyable and nearly psychedelic drinking experience. I wanted the label to reflect this intense flavor experience I had." 

Colombia Villa Soffy Microlot

"The story that Emily (Brio roaster) shared with me about the coffee inspired thoughts of opportunity, growth and discovery. This idea continues to build off the narrative elements of previous labels. Here, we have our explorer searching for the 'perfect' cup in the ancient ruins of coffee gear."

 "Our astronaut coffee lover seeks out a coffee smoother and sweeter than the milky way itself. Let's hope they can find it and not get lost among the stars." 

 

 

 
Costa Rica coffee artist series 
"Our wanderer has found the place where two worlds co-exists. Deep in the Costa Rican forest where the line between reality and legend are blurred, wondrous things happen."

 

"The excitement and flavor blast had me thinking along the themes of "mystery" and the thrill of finding something new.  I wanted to play with the white of the label/bag behind it. By using the steam/smoke motif, I created "windows" to reveal the background and dissolving away to reveal something interesting and mysterious."

 

"With coffee, there is a journey in every cup. I wanted this piece to show that journey through its elaborate and multicolored design."