Mott Gallery | Event Space
3027 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
Where Contemporary Art Meets Coffee
by Robey Martin July 7, 2015
Photo by Dave Vennell, courtesy of Mott Gallery
Owner Aaron Mott, as seen inside the new gallery
Fans of fine art and coffee connoisseurs, rejoice: Mott Gallery, an art gallery and coffee shop hybrid, plans to open soon in Carytown. The 2,300-square-foot space, located at 3027 W. Cary St., will sell coffee by Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co., baked goods from Kabbie’s Kake Studio — a Williamsburg, Virginia, bakery — and goods from a few as-of-yet-undecided local bakeries. On the coffee side, expect art deco themes and decor; on the gallery front, you'll find for-sale artists' exhibits that rotate monthly.
Aaron Mott, owner, is no stranger to the art scene. He opened a student gallery in Buffalo, New York, while attending school at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The gallery was absorbed into the university when he made his move to Williamsburg, Virginia, but it was a visit to Richmond that spurred his latest art endeavor. He noticed the open space in Carytown, and sought to bring his new concept there.
The plans to open a cafe have moved slowly; the gallery hosted two single-day pop-up sales, one in May and one in June, but the official gallery opening and art show (with coffee!) won't occur until July 31. An expanded menu of cappuccinos, espresso and multiple baked items — namely, baklava, brownies, cookies and cupcakes — will appear later the next month when the coffee shop launches.
“We needed some daily income that would supplement our art sales," Mott says of the cafe. "I connected with Blanchard’s over social media; so great right? And Kabbie's is a neighbor in Williamsburg."
The gallery will focus on contemporary fine art, with a grand opening that will feature sculptures, box constructions and paintings from Frederick Chiriboga, a veteran of the Richmond art scene for roughly 15 years. His self-described style is neo-surrealist guided in early surrealism. For updates on the opening and the gallery, visit mottgallery.com.
Mott Gallery opens July 31 2015 at 3027 W. Cary St. and with hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Its bakery is predicted to open in the third week of August.
This was the gallery's website. Unfortunately Yelpers report this location has closed.
Content below is from the site's 2015-2016 archived pages and other sources for a nostalgic trip back to when this lovely gallery was open.
Thanks Aaron for this short lived, but bright spot that added lots of positive vibes to Carytown.
Yelp Reviews
Bridget C.
Henrico, VA
5.0 stars
6/4/2016
Art, coffee and sweets, what more can I ask for?! This gem in Ccarytown is a favorite of mine, a variety of coffees as well as cafe fair, housed in an intimate art gallery. Tonight is an opening of incredible and diverse works of art, complete with hors d'oeuvres and wine, a wonderful opportunity to view enchanting subject matter while chatting with the artists.
The art work changes on a regular basis, each visit offers something fresh and inspiring. Appropriate seating for viewing the art in the gallery at the back, or eclectic tables and a couch in the from room to chat with friends while enjoying coffee.
Do not miss this place, a great break from your hectic day and a very cleaver place to shop for gifts. Art work prices range from easily afforded treats to exquisite works of art.
+++
Kelliroo K.
Los Angeles, CA
5.0 stars
4/11/2016
Happy to have found this pleasant place while searching Yelp for coffee on our stroll through Carytown! As it's an art gallery, I wasn't sure how the coffee or setting would be, but this is a great and charming space for both those there to see art, and those just wishing to sit with a nice beverage.
Upon entering the door, you'll be greeted with a large space to sit and work on that great novel or sketchbook in front of a faux fireplace. And to the right of that is a fun window where you'll see the cafe staff. Just pop up the steps to order, and while you wait, have a seat on their plush red couch. Once you have your drink, enjoy the bright and open gallery space in the back. A wonderful tonalism show was on while we were there, and it was nice to get a small taste of what this big space offers. Check it out, and enjoy!
+++
Clementine C.
San Antonio, TX
3.0 stars
3/26/2016
If I lived in Richmond, I'd frequent this spot. Here's why:
1) good vibes - there are two cozy seating areas with arts and cheap ($1-3) books for sale and for your reading pleasure. They have cafe fare as well as some beer.
2) good location - this is in the middle of a large shopping street and is a refreshing cultural fixture. It has a large glass front, so it's perfect for people watching.
3) good art - there is an eclectic mix of pottery and 2D work. The back gallery is very spacious and, from my encounter, it seems to feature one or two artists at a time. The main cafe hosts a myriad of artists. They have the artist come for the gallery opening and serve light refreshments at that event.
+++
Sammy D.
New London Conn.X
4.0 stars
9/26/2015
Friends brought me here when I was visiting. What a charming gallery and so welcoming to its visitors. Of course whenever I visit any place that looks like a good candidate for needing bulk trash bags I add it to my notes for possible future customer. I work for an online wholesale janitorial and office supply company. We sell wholesale and retail, but I work in the wholesale side and am always looking for new customers. I will give a call to the Mott Gallery, but for now I am just enjoying the art and tasty refreshments.
Love it, love it, love it.
+++
Welcome to Mott Gallery
Mott Gallery is dedicated to providing the community of Richmond with a unique contemporary art gallery and coffee shop, featuring rotating exhibits of fine-art photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media artwork.
An Art Deco-themed coffee area offers local baked goods and coffee by Blanchards Coffee Roasters.
News
Frederick Chiribogas: Curiosity and Regret
This new show opens at Mott Gallery on Friday, July 31st, and runs until Sunday, August 23rd. Opening reception to be held from 6-9pm on July 31st. Mott Gallery is located at 3027 W. Cary St. in Richmond. We are very excited to host this solo exhibition, which contains paintings, sculptures, and box constructions, spanning a seventeen year period of Chiribogas artistic career. Many are brand new works, never exhibited before, including an amazing series of graphite on canvas works from this year. Below is a short video showing the artist in his Richmond studio.
Published on Sep 23, 2014 Go behind the scenes of Allie Smith's new music video with Aaron Mott, shot on location in Mott Gallery in Richmond, VA.
Johnny Hargrove "Bach's Cello Suite in G Major" at Mott Gallery
Published on Jun 12, 2015
+++
James Halloran
March 26, 2016
Ramani Urbiztondo
April 30th, 2016
Summer Members Show
June 4, 2016
June 25, 2016
Jack Graves III
July 16, 2016
Thao Kim Trang
August 6, 2016
Cosima Storz, Dawn Whitmore, Christine Scott
September 2, 2016
Francis Scott Horner
October 1, 2016
Daryll Morgan
November 4, 2016
Nancy McLain Gregory
December 3, 2016
Frederick Chiriboga
July 31, 2015
Alice Husak and Stephanie Kiah
August 28, 2015
Linda Plotkin
October 16, 2015
Titus Marques
November 21, 2015
Barbara Ginsburg
December 18, 2015
Blair Sutton
January 9, 2016
Members Show
February 6, 2016
Brad Bacon, Marshall Higgins, Nick Kuszyk, Matt Betts
February 20, 2016
Art Gallery has 1536 sq feet, front cafe has 908 sq feet, for a total of 2444 sq feet.
Contemporary Art Gallery and Coffee Shop
+++
Owner Aaron Mott has a B.A. in Studio Art from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has experience in art gallery management and consultation. He held leadership positions in the banking and financial services industry as well; Mott Gallery gives him an opportunity to merge his interests in art and business, with a goal of providing a venue for both established and emerging artists.
Deco Productions, LLC is dedicated to producing high-quality, unique content for film, web, and television.
More Background on Mott Gallery: A Hub of Contemporary Art in Richmond
Mott Gallery, located in the culturally rich district of Carytown, Richmond, Virginia, was a distinctive space that blended contemporary art with the social dynamics of a café. Though its run was relatively short-lived, the gallery made a significant mark on the local art scene by offering a platform for emerging and established artists, while fostering a community space where art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike could enjoy art in an approachable and social environment.
Founding and Vision
The gallery was founded by Aaron Mott, an experienced gallery operator who had previously run a student gallery in Buffalo, New York. Drawing from his previous experience, Mott aimed to create a space that not only showcased art but also integrated it with daily life. This concept led to the unique combination of an art gallery and coffee shop under one roof. The gallery was designed to sustain itself financially through coffee and café sales while giving artists a stable venue to display their work.
The fusion of art and coffee was not just a commercial decision but also a creative one. Mott believed that art should be accessible to everyone, and by blending it with a casual social space, the gallery was able to attract a broader audience beyond traditional gallery-goers. The goal was to make art more relatable, encouraging a wider appreciation for contemporary pieces by making them part of a relaxed, everyday experience.
Exhibitions and Artistic Focus
Mott Gallery's exhibitions were a monthly affair, featuring a diverse range of contemporary artists. From the outset, the gallery focused on showcasing cutting-edge work that spanned various media, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The gallery became known for its eclectic and avant-garde approach, often spotlighting lesser-known artists alongside more established names in the art world.
One of the key figures featured at Mott Gallery was Frederick Chiriboga, a neo-surrealist artist based in Richmond. His work explored dreamlike themes through intricate sculptures and paintings, and his show was one of the gallery's opening highlights. Each month, the gallery’s exhibitions introduced fresh perspectives and narratives, ensuring that visitors always encountered something new and thought-provoking during their visits.
In addition to solo exhibitions, the gallery occasionally hosted group shows, bringing together multiple artists under a common theme. These group exhibitions allowed for a diverse range of styles and interpretations, adding depth to the gallery’s overall programming. It was a space where creativity thrived, with artists given the freedom to push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of art.
Community Engagement and Cultural Impact
Beyond its role as an exhibition space, Mott Gallery served as an important community hub. The gallery’s integration of a café, serving locally sourced coffee and baked goods, provided a laid-back atmosphere that encouraged visitors to linger and engage with the artwork. It wasn’t uncommon to see people sipping their coffee while browsing the rotating exhibitions, blending the aesthetic experience of art with everyday leisure.
The gallery also offered its space for private events, allowing the local community to host celebrations such as birthday parties and anniversary gatherings in the midst of contemporary art. This multi-purpose approach helped foster a sense of inclusivity, making the gallery not only a place for art enthusiasts but also for those looking for a unique venue for social events.
Richmond’s art scene has always been vibrant, but Mott Gallery added a unique twist by creating a space where art and social interaction could seamlessly coexist. The gallery’s presence in Carytown, a district already known for its eclectic mix of shops and cultural offerings, helped cement the neighborhood’s reputation as a destination for art and culture.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
Though Mott Gallery eventually closed, its legacy lives on through the artists it supported and the community it nurtured. The gallery’s approach to art—making it accessible and enjoyable in a relaxed setting—resonated with a broad audience. Its brief existence was marked by a series of memorable exhibitions and events that contributed to Richmond’s cultural landscape.
The gallery’s impact was not only felt by visitors but also by the artists who had the opportunity to showcase their work in a welcoming, community-oriented space. For many emerging artists, exhibiting at Mott Gallery provided critical exposure and a chance to engage directly with the public.
Moreover, Mott Gallery’s innovative model—combining art with coffee—has inspired other galleries and cultural spaces to adopt similar approaches, blending art with other aspects of daily life to attract a wider audience. This model has since been replicated in various forms, from art cafés to creative co-working spaces, cementing the idea that art does not have to exist in isolation but can be integrated into everyday experiences.
Mott Gallery was a unique institution in Richmond’s art scene, remembered for its creative blend of contemporary art and social space. Its exhibitions, community engagement, and lasting influence continue to be appreciated by those who experienced its vibrant energy, even after its doors closed.
