Hen House at Swan's Market

See Cathy's description and history of Swan's Market below.

Enjoyed the view of the woman-run Hen House restaurant from my lunchtime stool.  Every third Thursday, the Hen House will donate their proceeds to organizations that serve our most vulnerable populations, such as NAACP, Southern Poverty Law Center, Border Angels, Council on American-Islamic Relations, etc.  All restaurants in Swan's closed on February 16 in support of the Day Without Immigrants Protest.

Champions for Humanity Statues

A magnificent sculpture installation in downtown Oakland, near 19th and Telegraph:  "Remember Them:  25 Champions for Humanity."  Sculptor Matio Chiodo conceived his works in response to events on 9/11, wanting to remind viewers of all the good in the world.  The scale of his work is so striking and the sketching possibilities so wonderful that we decided to return for our First Thursday Sketch Night on August 6th.

Micaela sketching next to two of the four large installations.

Judith sketching the sculpted heads in relief against low wall surrounding the plaza.

Tierra Mia

Tierra Mia is a new coffeehouse in the elegant Spanish style. Not only is it a great space, but the barristas  educate you about the coffee which they sell, and how to drink it! (Better without cream) My favorite is the Colombina, it's very flavorful, and I agree absolutely, no cream needed!
Here is my noon-time sketch.

Tierra Mia

Tierra Mía Coffee, downtown Oakland

Tierra Mía Cafe, dip pen and ink and watercolor,  9x12in

The new Tierra Mía Coffee is located at the corner of Broadway and 20th Street in the former Magnin Building. It's a perfect corner to sketch and have a good cup of their specialty coffee drinks.