Jesse Zuefle has his first ‘art’ opening coming up on Friday, September 10. Not that Jesse is an artist, per se. He actually can’t draw – he’s a self-professed ‘non-artist.” But during the pandemic, when he found himself sitting around the house, with nothing to do, totally uninspired, he found an artistic calling.
“I went online and found some Banksy images, and began stenciling,” Jesse told me. “I changed the composition, by adding my own flavor to the designs, and put them up around the city. I use old canvases and street signs – anything that I can get my hands on. I am making my own play on Banksy works…. and having fun in the process. I decided to title the collection ‘Banksy Hates me,’ for obvious reasons, and now I’ve got my first show coming up at Amy’s Place on Main Street. It’s sophomoric work, and not really all that well done, but that’s part of the charm, and people seem to enjoy it. I’m having a fucking blast.”
Yes, Amy’s Place has reopened. It turns out that the former owner, Greg Kempf, who also owned the building, tried to sell the business during the pandemic. But he ended up reopening the restaurant instead, as a 100% vegan and vegetarian eatery, much in the same vein as the original Amy’s Place, which was heavy on the vegan and vegetarian fare.
“Greg also opened the room next door to Amy’s Place and created a new event space,” said Jesse. “It’s the same size as the restaurant. My show is both in the restaurant and in the gallery space next door, which is perfect for all sorts of events, music, art, private parties, etc. It’s like an overflow room for creative people. There’s a hallway that connects the two rooms in the back, and Greg has also put in a window between the two rooms. I like what Greg is doing over there – eventually he wants to turn Amy’s Place into an employee-owned co-op business. He’s also going to be applying for a beer and wine license.”
For anyone who has been seeing the Banksy “copycat-inspired” works popping up around town, now you know the culprit. That said, I’m happy to see Jesse having so much fun. I’m also thrilled to see Amy’s Place back in business, and better than ever. See you at the show.
‘Banksy Hates Me’ Art Show
@ Amy’s “New Gallery” Place
Friday, September 10, 2021
Starting @ 7pm
-Special guest violinist 7-7:45pm.
-DJ Oldskool 8-10pm
-Free beer and wine while it lasts/ BYOB also encouraged
-Masks optional
-Free admission
Find ‘Banksy Hates Me’ on Instagram