3 minute read
RAISING THE BAR TO ARTISTIC HEIGHTS
Raising the bar
to artiic heights
FRENCH 75 MIXES HIGH-END ART WITH SPECIALTY COCKTAILS
By Diane Krieger Spivak Photos provided by French 75
Culture never tasted so good. Case in point: French 75, which opened in September across the Fox River from the Paramount Theatre, brings a new twist to old-world class and civility. The Aurora gallery and lounge conjures up the Parisian salons of the past, hearkening back to those gathering places for intellectuals and artists.
French 75 is the brainchild of Hope Ashworth, who relocated from northern California eight years ago and has tapped into her years of experience running her own art gallery there. Ashworth owns French 75 with her son Braden Smith, who manages the lounge. “Drinks are his artistry,” says Ashworth. Smith worked in bars where he learned to be a mixologist while studying jazz in New York and California. “We create our own cocktails,” says Ashworth. “We have a full bar so you can have whatever you want.” Everything is made in-house, including syrups and hand-chipped ice cubes. Wine and a charcuterie menu are also available. “We have beautiful French cheeses,” notes Ashworth, who is also partnering with a local restaurant to offer pop-up dining. “It’s a very elegant but warm space,” she continues. “Because I love Paris and French impressionist work, I wanted to make this a 1920s French salon feel — it’s
like stepping back in time.” Ashworth renovated the historic building and filled it with an eclectic mix of furnishings. There are no televisions here, but there are old-school pieces like settees, gold chandeliers, antique mirrors and hand-embossed, hand-painted gold ceiling tiles. “It gives a very comfortable vibe where people can have a beautiful cocktail and sit and appreciate the paintings,” she says. The artwork, ranging from $500 to $25,000 with an average price range of $3,000-$8,000, are all originals, and all hung from the walls in true vintage salon fashion — on rails. The ambiance, Ashworth says, “gives you a chance to bond with these paintings. They become a part of your family. That’s the way I look at it after years of collecting art.”
French 75 features the works of artists Daniel Mundy, David Hettinger, Sally Yost, Martin Mondrus and Ashworth herself.
Her business concept is unique, admits Ashworth. “There’s nothing like this around. The diversity of clientele in ages and cultures is refreshing. There’s a blending of the younger crowd and the older crowd, and everyone feels comfortable and in harmony. Everyone is enjoying the art and the cocktails.”
French 75’s location nearby the Paramount Theatre makes it convenient for theatregoers to pop in for a cocktail before a show, and again after to talk about the show. The venue also hosts morning mixers, fundraisers and other gatherings. “The space is perfect for small events,” says Ashworth. “The sentiment I’ve been getting is that people just love it here,” says Ashworth. “The mood is spot on in what I wanted, stepping back in time a little bit.” FRENCH 75 GALLERY & LOUNGE 56 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora 630-340-5675 www.french75gallery.com
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