Art by Mary Alice Landry – Black Noise contest winner.
Our walls have been humming with energy, and not just from coffee grinding. The Black Noise Magazine contest brought four creative artists into our space!
For the past two months, Klekolo World Coffee has doubled as a gallery for bold expression. It features the works of independent creators. Their styles range from surreal to emotionally raw. I
n partnership with Black Noise Magazine, we’ve celebrated the voices that challenge and comfort. They stir the senses just like a strong cup of coffee.
Now, we’re getting ready to send this incredible show off in true Klekolo fashion. We’ll do it with a wall-shaking, genre-defying Closing Night Party on June 20th. Expect hiphop, punk, and country sounds pulsing through the coffee house. We honor the artists who made our space feel alive. Yes, they were even controversial.
Meet the Black Noise Artists on the Wall
The art at Klekolo has been turning heads and starting conversations. It comes from four brilliant creatives, selected by Black Noise Magazine. Each one brings something raw, different, and unforgettable to our walls.
🎨 Tito Lounge (Isaac Beltran)
At just 21, Connecticut-based artist Isaac Beltran—aka Tito Lounge—is already pushing boundaries with bold, emotionally charged animal portraiture. His pieces stir strong reactions. They invite viewers to wrestle with contrast: soft brushwork against hard edges and tenderness in the midst of tension.
Tito’s work doesn’t shy away from difficult emotion, and neither do we. At Klekolo, we believe in art that starts conversations—even when it’s uncomfortable. His textures are raw, his lines deliberate, and his visual language uniquely his own.
🎨 Mary Alice Landry
Colorful, whimsical, and rooted in reverence for the natural world, Mary Alice Landry’s work radiates both strength and softness. She describes herself as a tree hugger and free spirit. She creates with an open heart. Her connection to Mother Nature and all her creatures is deep.
Mary lives with an autoimmune disease. She paints as a form of healing, providing a momentary escape from chronic pain. Her art leads her into a world of color and magic. Her art reminds us that beauty and resilience often grow together.
“For just a short while… art heals.” – Mary Alice Landry
🎨 Heidi Washburn
Heidi Washburn’s photography is all about presence—the kind that draws you in and gently holds you there. Her work aims to capture subjects in their most natural moments. It seeks to evoke emotion through flow and authenticity.
Her compositions hold a quiet power. Each image feels less like a snapshot and more like a shared breath. Whether human or landscape, her subjects feel alive and in motion—even when perfectly still.
“My ultimate goal as an artist is to evoke emotion by capturing the subject in pure flow.” – Heidi Washburn
🎨 Tony Baker
Tony Baker is a digital sculptor who “paints with plastic,” transforming digital designs into tactile, layered 3D art. His process blends the precision of technology with the intuition of traditional painting. Each piece is constructed like brushstrokes, one layer at a time.
Best known for his intricate dragons and fantastical forms, Tony’s creations are playful, dimensional, and full of character. His work invites viewers into a world where fantasy feels almost touchable—and always sparks a sense of joy.
Closing Night Blowout with Black Noise – June 20th
We’ve been partnering with Black Noise Magazine for the past two months. It is a fierce and fearless independent publication. They are dedicated to uplifting emerging artists, musicians, and underrepresented voices. With roots in raw creativity and unapologetic self-expression, Black Noise doesn’t just cover the scene—they help create it.
Their art contest brought four dynamic visual artists into Klekolo’s orbit. Now they’re sending the show off in the most Black Noise way possible. It’s a full-blown genre-bending celebration.
🎤 June 20th Black Noise Party — You’re Invited!
Join us for a night of hiphop, punk, and country. This lineup is as eclectic and alive as the art on our walls. This closing party is a thank-you to the artists. It also appreciates the community. We thank everyone who believes in the power of independent art and local coffee.
🎶 Live Performances By:
Monz Finito
Marianne Toilet & The Runs
Walter Merrill of Hillbilly Parade
“June 20th come on down for a night of hiphop, punk and country at @klekolo 🤘 This night is to support our 2-month artist showcase there… And as always, grab some of the best coffee in CT!” — Black Noise Magazine
🗓️ When: Thursday, June 20th 🕖 Time: 7 PM – 10 PM 📍 Where: Klekolo World Coffee, Middletown CT ☕ What to expect: Live music, local vibes, art, good coffee, and even better company.
Let’s make some noise!
Tony Baker
Why We Host Art at Klekolo
At Klekolo, we’ve always believed coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a portal. A connector. A companion to creativity. That’s why our walls are never empty. They’re meant to hold stories, spark conversations, and reflect the voices of our local and indie communities.
The Black Noise Magazine exhibit has been a powerful reminder of how much art matters. It challenges us, heals us, and connects us. We’re proud to be a space where bold voices can be seen and celebrated.
So come see the show before it’s gone. And if you can, don’t miss the Closing Night on June 20th. The walls are buzzing. The coffee’s strong. The art is waiting.
Yvette Elliott is the owner of Klekolo World Coffee, an independent coffeehouse in Middletown, Connecticut, founded in 1994. She has over 30 years of experience working with specialty coffee and community-centered spaces. Yvette is also an herbalist and founder of Owl Herbs, with a long-standing interest in ritual, seasonal living, and the everyday magic found in food and drink.
Yvette's mission is to help people live a happy and flavorful life by sharing her expertise in coffee, herbalism, and magic.
