Dynamite Art + Coffee

WAITSBURG – You won't find to-go cups at Dynamite Art + Coffee, and that's not simply out of concern for the environment, though it is a factor. Proprietor Claire Johnston opened the coffee shop, located at 119 Main St. in Waitsburg, with the intent of creating an environment where customers can escape the hustle and bustle of modern society and take a few minutes to just relax and enjoy.

"We have this beautiful space and I want people to come in, relax, enjoy the lovely environment, drink from a beautiful mug, and take in the art," Johnston said. (However, if you must drink on the run, Johnston said she'll be happy to fill whatever vessel you bring in.)

Johnston said she was inspired to name Dynamite Art + Coffee after the Jimmie Walker catchprase 'Dyn-o-mite!', but chose to spell it correctly. "I just wanted something fun with a bit of 'shazam!' and 'pow!'" she said.

Johnston has put thought and care into every aspect of the shop, which is located in the former home of jimgermanbar. The light, open, airy space is ideal for displaying works of art, which she plans to change out every three months.

Even ordering a cup of coffee becomes an act of art appreciation, as customers get to choose which of the 24 Steve Miller mugs and cups they would like to drink from. Johnston is a big fan of the work of the Walla Walla University pottery instructor, and has spent 10 years building her collection.

After Coppei Coffee closed, followed by the closing of Gleason's Galley, Johnston felt the time was right to step in. "This little town needs a coffee shop and I felt I could fill a niche. It's a beautiful space and even though I've never been a barista, I knew I could learn," she said.

Dynamite's coffees and espressos are made using Brown Bear Coffee from the Walla Walla Roastery because she said it works best in her machine to produce the rich, deep, brew she was after.

Johnston says she has a love of baking, which is where her popular "Dynamite Rolls" come in. The Dynamite Roll is Johnston's unique version of a cinnamon roll. She starts the croissant-style dough for her Friday morning rolls on Wednesday night.

"It's a 36-hour process to make the dough. And then there is a bit of a secret to the rolls. I use more than just cinnamon," she said. Johnston sticks to local products as much as possible, and uses Small's Family Farm flour, grown outside Dayton, in her baking.

She also offers a limited menu of homemade granola and a veggie frittata made with farm fresh eggs and fresh chevre from the Montiellet Fromagerie. Customers with a sweet tooth will appreciate her peppermint patties made with dark chocolate and sea salt. Prices are a reasonable $1 - $4.50 for treats and eats.

An accomplished artist herself, Johnston is pleased with the opportunity to fill her walls with the works of area artists for her customers to enjoy. She is currently displaying the watercolors, drawings, etchings, and intaglios of Waitsburg artist Gail Gwinn.

"Gail is just an amazingly talented artist and draft person. She does this incredibly detailed work and then you can see her much looser style in her drawings," Johnston said.

Johnston plans to leave each show up for three months. Her next featured artist will be Seattle painter Leiv Fagereng, who is moving to Walla Walla in October. Johnston said she always welcomes recommendations for new artists.

Johnston's own works are currently on display at the Studio TWOZEROTWO Tasting Room and Art Gallery, at 202 E. Main St. in Walla Walla. She said her current showing includes abstract pieces inspired by deep seas and deep space.

Johnston said he always incorporates glass into her work, whether it's a painting, a sculpture or a light box. "Glass is just the most amazing material. It's the slowest moving liquid. It can be sharp, yet soft. It's just beautiful," she said.

Johnston said it is unlikely that she'll show her own work at the coffee shop, though, because half of the pieces in her current show have already sold. "When I show in Seattle, I typically sell all of my work. Walla Walla is a bit different, so we will see," she said. But she would love to have everyone stop in at Studio TWOZEROTWO and check it out.

Johnston said the shop has seen a steady flow of business, with visitors from Dayton and Walla Walla, as well as a group of daily local regulars. "It's been fun to see the positive response," she said.

Dynamite Art + Coffee is open Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to noon. Visitors can keep updated on the shop by visiting the store's website at dynamiteartandcoffee.com or the Dynamte Art + Coffee Facebook page.