by Kelly Barbazette

The gallery is part of a new 4,000-square-foot art complex in the Monterey Road building that was formerly The Milias Restaurant . Emily McEwan-Upright , the founder of Gallery 1202 and 6th Street Studios & Art Center , is completely redesigning the space , now called the Clove Art Complex . It features a large gallery , an upscale café , and boutique retail space .

“ We ’ re really aiming for people to see the space as a mini museum experience ,” McEwan-Upright said .

1202 Contemporary , formerly Gallery 1202 , has grown in size in its new 1,000 square foot gallery space with an entrance on Monterey Road . The new footprint features a main gallery room , and a secondary gallery space that connects to a small retail / gift store . McEwan-Upright is also unveiling a new artist platform , dubbed the 1202 Collective , a non-profit group , which she said will break from the traditional gallery representation model . It will be made up of a juried group of artists that will be part of 1202 Contemporary and will have access to the Collective ’ s online resources and assistance in applying for grants .

1202 Contemporary will focus on five to six annual art shows showcasing art in multiple mediums , with at least two of the exhibits highlighting local artists .

“ We ’ re still staying true to our mission , which is to support marginalized artists ,” McEwan-Upright said .

At the Clove Art Complex , there will be two entrances , one on Monterey Road for the gallery , and one on 6th Street for the cafe , Café Motif , and the spaces will connect . Café Motif is designed to offer customers an elevated , cozy experience set within an art-deco ambiance . Cafe Motif is under the direction of Clove Art Complex co-founder , Amber Atteberry .

Guests can indulge in locally sourced pastries and farm-totable light fare while savoring coffee , tea , or a selection of wine and beer . The café preserves the building ' s historical charm with its classic bar setup , complemented by a lounge bistro area featuring comfortable seating options .

Alongside dining , patrons can peruse locally crafted goods , including handmade ceramics , jewelry , fiber arts , and textiles , unwind with a good book , or explore the art gallery . The Clove Art Complex offers a commissary kitchen , private event rental space , and catering services may be arranged through Café Motif .

The first art show at 1202 Contemporary opened in May . Entitled Tierra , the eight-weekmixed-media exhibit will feature local artists Yolanda Guerra and Rosanna Alvarez .

42 SUMMER 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com