For those who like a dash of art along with their coffee, the newly opened Society of Arts Coffee House should become a popular, Saturday gathering spot.

That, at least, is the hope of artist and Society board member Cathie Draycott, who says she has wanted to provide the gallery venue in City Hall for some time.

Stressing that prices are reasonable, she adds: "We're not trying to make money out of this, we just wanted to provide a service for artists, visitors and art lovers in general.'' Noting that the Bermuda Society of Arts receives no funding "whatsoever'' from the Fine Art Trust, she says that the project was set up on a necessarily tight budget. "We have tried to avoid spending money and, so far, we have been very lucky with donations.'' These include three new tables and tablecloths, along with new teapots, mugs, cups and saucers -- and of course, requisite reading material in the form of art magazines. One of the publications she would like to see in the new coffee house is The Arts Deadline List which lists all the latest competitions, grants, exhibition deadlines and submission dates as well as the latest general art publications.

"We would be very grateful if someone would consider helping us with a subscription for this as it would be useful for aspiring artists. We were hoping, also, that one of the architectural firms or advertising agencies might consider a subsidy towards a graphics esign or architectural magazine, so that young people are more aware of opportunities that are available,'' she says. "In other words, we would like it to become another resource for all artists in Bermuda and we think it's especially important to include those who are interested in the applied arts.

Society of Arts opens cafe "Most of all, we hope this will be a pleasant place for those who are interested in art, to get together on a Saturday -- somewhere different to go,'' says Ms Draycott, who admits she got the idea from Rock Island Coffee at their first venue on Pitt's Bay Road (it is now on Reid Street).

"It was always so packed on a Saturday, so I thought it would be nice if there was somewhere for the `arty crowd' to go and perhaps discuss their work and maybe get a bit of feedback. It should also provide some rest and refreshments for people who don't manage to get to our openings but would like to catch up with the shows.'' Coffee and pastries are being supplied by Caffe Latte. "Eventually, we are hoping to have our own urns for tea and coffee, as we are using hot pots right now. So if any of the hotels are upgrading equipment, all contributions would be gratefully received!'' Eventually, Cathie Draycott hopes that intermediate or senior music students may be interested in giving informal recitals, to get them used to performing for an audience, or as a means of practice for upcoming concerts.

Emphasising that Bermuda's newest coffee spot welcomes everyone -- writers, musicians, dancers -- remotely interested in the arts, Ms Draycott adds: "I see this mainly as a resource centre to encourage people to come in and get involved in the arts scene. We want to get some interaction going on!'' The Bermuda Society of Arts Coffee Shop, situated in their City Hall gallery, is open each Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

ANYONE FOR COFFEE? -- Artist Cathie Draycott (centre) who has inaugurated a new, Saturday coffee shop in the Bermuda Society of Arts gallery at City Hall.