BELLEVILLE - Once a month, Abe and Julie Gingerich invite the Juniata Valley to come together for a night of fine food, wine, art and music.
"A Taste of Art," held the third or fourth Sunday of each month at Abe's Cafe in Belleville, premieres the work of a local artist who guests then have an opportunity to meet while enjoying music by local musicians and a meal catered by the Gingerich's.
"My main concept is to bring the community together through our senses - sight, sound, taste - and to touch people's lives by being supportive neighbors and active in our town," owner Julie Gingerich said.
Abe and Julie Gingerich moved to Belleville with their son, Ignatius, after working in the food industry for 10 years in State College.
Prior to opening the cafe, the building as occupied by Charolais, a restaurant owned by Abe's grandfather. When the building was offered to the Gingeriches, the couple decided to move the
Belleville and open their own restaurant. Their desire to highlight what the Juniata Valley has to offer its residents was part of what inspired A Taste of Art.
"This was a big move for Abe and I," Julie said. "Now this is our future, and we want to see this place thrive. We want to set an example."
A Taste of Art, which began in March, has given the Gingeriches an opportunity not only to decorate the walls of their restaurant, but more importantly, to promote the work of others in the community.
"We've met some really wonderful people," Julie said. "Big Valley is beautiful, and we've always really wanted to promote things outside of the restaurant."
To help enable the community aspect of the event, Julie said other area businesses have donated door prizes that are distributed throughout the evening.
July's event featured local artist Michael Platzer, who paints using only his mouth. Platzer became a quadriplegic after a hiking accident in 1975.
"I never considered myself an artist," Platzer said of his talents prior to losing the use of both his arms and legs.
Platzer said he "doodled," but began taking art classes at Penn State to refine his skills after the accident. Originally, Platzer used a brace to hold the paintbrush to his hand, but one day, while trying to create a straight line, found he had more control if he used his mouth. Now, Platzer's paintings are featured in internationally-distributed greeting cards and calendars.
During the event, Platzer gave a painting demonstration. Some of his watercolors and oil paintings are featured at Abe's for this month. He said the bird and lighthouse paintings, several of which are on display, are popular pieces as are his Christmas-themed works. To accompany Platzer's art, music in July was provided by Jim Kerhin.
Past artists have included Ann Thompson and her photography, Larry Groninger, who is a painter and sculptor, and former Mifflin County Commissioner Susan McCartney, whose paintings and pastels were featured in May. Local musicians Rich Burns and Gary Brubacker have provided music for past events.
Julie Gingerich said all the artists and musicians have been scheduled through word of mouth, and any who are interested in participating can contact the cafe at cafeabe@embarqmail.com
August's Taste of Art event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 30 at the cafe. The featured artist will be Mike Demi, a painter and teacher at Mifflin County School District, and music will be provided by singer and guitar player John White.
Abe Gingerich said the meal for the evening will be seasonal and feature some favorite dishes as well as some new items.
"We really try to have for each event something a little different," he said.
While the final menu will not be decided until closer to the event, popular dishes such as their mini ruebens and rack of lamb, as well as duck confeit, several seafood options and fried green tomatoes are all possibilities.
"Sometimes people think because we mainly do breakfast and lunch, that we wouldn't do (those dishes), but that's not the case. It's a little more upscale, but the atmosphere is still relaxed," Abe said of the menu for A Taste of Art.
Much of the meal will be offered as hors d'ouevres to allow guests to mingle with the artist and the musician, and soup, fruit and cheese and homemade desserts will also be served.
"We like to give them something new to try as an entree for another time," Julie said.
Abe's Cafe is open 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday. The cafe also reopens on Fridays from 5 until 8 p.m. for dinner.
Previously, A Taste of Art has brought in up to 70 guests, and those interested in attending are asked to purchase tickets prior the the event. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant during business hours
