Local photographer Mike Brake of BrakeTime Photography was the featured artist during the last two months in the Los Alamos Co-op Market Artist Cafe. Courtesy/Mike Brake

By MIKE BRAKE
Los Alamos

Over the past two months I had the opportunity to be the featured artist at the Los Alamos Co-op Market Artist Cafe through my landscape photography business, BrakeTime Photography. It was my first ever experience with this type of opportunity and I walked away far more encouraged by the people than the photography.

From day one the Co-op staff and managers were unbelievably kind, welcoming, and supportive. They hosted my opening reception, opened up their space to the community, and never once made the experience feel transactional.

It’s common for this type of exhibit to come with a fee or commission. However, the Co-op didn’t charge ANY fees to the artist for the space or if one of the pieces sold. The Co-op simply chose generosity.

That matters.

Over the course of the exhibit, I watched people stop by during their grocery shopping and eating lunch (at the best hot bar in town!) to talk about favorite hiking trails, vacation spots, sunsets, and future adventures. Complete strangers connected over places they love.

It was a great reminder to me that local businesses are more than businesses. They can become gathering places for community and creativity.

Small businesses in Los Alamos face real challenges. Creating spaces that intentionally build community and support local artists deserves to be recognized and supported in return.

So this is simply a thank you.

Thank you to the Los Alamos Co-op Market for supporting local artists, local creativity, and creating space for connection. Thank you also to the many incredible local small businesses in Los Alamos that share the same mindset and have a heart for building community. You help make Los Alamos a more vibrant and connected place every day.

Mike Brake
BrakeTime Photography
https://braketime-photography.square.site