We are Arts On The Ave, a group of artists living and working on and around the Avenue, working for a revolution. We believe change is possible, that our community has something to say, and that arts are our voice.
It was a quote from French post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne that sparked the The Carrot Coffeehouse‘s name and overall philosophy: “There is coming a day when a single carrot freshly observed will set off a revolution.” Located on the reenergized 118 Avenue strip, The CarrotCoffeehouse is a community arts venue created in 2006 by a group of artists known collectively as Arts on the Ave. Instead of opening an office for the organization, they decided to open a coffeehouse because there was nothing like it along 118 Avenue – otherwise known as the Alberta Avenue area.
“We are from the community, for the community,” explains Executive Director Christy Morin. “We are all about keeping artists here in Edmonton.” The Carrot Coffeehouse is completely volunteer-driven. There are only two employees on the payroll, one full-time and one part-time. When Arts on the Ave opened the business, they knew it was going to take a lot of dedicated effort to make it work. Luckily, the community embraced the mission and has come through. “Being volunteer-powered, we knew it would be a real risk to see if volunteers wanted to come in and be a barista,” Christy says. “It’s just amazing to see the huge heart that Edmontonians have.”
That diverse group of volunteers helps make The Carrot Coffeehouse a city-wide attraction. “It’s a really neat vibe,” Christy says. “The Carrot is something special, and Edmonton has made it a really wonderful place in the Edmonton art scene.”
For a more relaxed night out, check out The Carrot’s live music on Friday nights ($5 cover), open mic on Saturdays (no cover) or poetry nights on the last Thursday of every month. Serving up locally brewed, delicious coffee and an affordable assortment of baked goods, pastries and light meals, The Carrot is a volunteer-run non-profit – a mainstay in the revitalized Alberta Avenue neighbourhood.
The Carrot describes itself as a “bohemian, comfortable hub for meeting and making friends, enjoying different art forms and connecting with people.” When you walk in the front door, you will immediately feel how accurate that description is. They also produce 12 wall-mounted exhibitions and 12 window installations/displays each year, all with a local focus!
If having your work critiqued seems like too much pressure, the Edmonton Spec Fic Writers Group might be for you. "Spec Fic" is short for "Speculative Fiction," an umbrella term that covers science fiction, fantasy and horror, but all types of writers are welcome. Anyone can join the group on Meetup; they meet from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at two different cafés: The Carrot Community Coffee House on the second Saturday of the month, and Block 1912 on the fourth Saturday of the month. Members eat, chat and write, with no obligation to critique.