COFFEE & THE ARTS
Owner Vivian Lawhead
SOHO CAFE & GALLERY OPERATES WITH ARTS & COMMUNITY IN MIND Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Linda Oldiges
SoHo Cafe & Gallery on South Rangeline Road in Carmel is truly a hometown establishment that supports the arts. Besides being longtime residents, proprietors Vivian and Larry Lawhead have deep roots within the Carmel community. As a result, the family-owned cafe not only serves up tasty beverages and treats, but also promotes local artists and causes.
“We feel such a part of the Carmel community, especially the old Carmel,” Vivian Lawhead says. “My dad, a builder, moved my mom and me to Carmel in the late ‘50s when I was a preschooler. My husband was born here. My first job was in downtown Carmel at my dad’s real estate office. Our four kids were born here and all six of us are Carmel High School grads. I taught in Carmel Clay Schools for years - first, fourth and fifth grades. Then I was media specialist at Carmel Middle School, 10 / CARMEL MAGAZINE / OCTOBER 2020 / atCarmel.com
where I attended years before.” Ten years ago, Lawhead inherited what was then called Mohawk Shopping Center. At that time the brick-and-frame center, which was built between 1970 and 1973, was 75% occupied and needed a facelift. The Lawhead family realized it could be a great opportunity for growing businesses as well as a way to promote Carmel. “One of our sons is in commercial real estate,” Lawhead says. “He told us, ‘It’s an
