Special Hours
First Friday, February 6, 5:00-7:00pm
Artist’s reception for our very own Steven Chaprnka

CUPPING: Sunday, February 22, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Please join us for this low-key and fun exploration of the ins and outs of tasting coffee like the pros. Get details by subscribing to our newsletter.

ART: Steven Chaprnka + B. Neill Sinclair “Gentleman’s Alley” Photography + Text

Works by photographer Steven Chaprnka paired with text by writer B. Neill Sinclair together comprise the featured exhibit this month. Entitled “Gentleman’s Alley,” this collaborative project explores “site-specific images intended to challenge the viewer’s environment,” says Chaprnka.

“By presenting images of what lies beyond the immediate, our intention demands the reconciliation of intellect and faith, working to create a union of the seen and the believed,” explains Chaprnka. “Ben Sinclair’s appearance and language synchronize with this premise. His personal conduct of gentleness is felt within his words, yielding an ironic juxtaposition with his unmistakably raw performance.”

Sinclair’s words serve as the images’ titles, and they indulge in an ongoing dialogue between the artists. The two believe the “Gentleman’s spirit” will “triumph over the cash-lined pockets of those who lack care.”

Before settling in Bend, Chaprnka studied photography at Prescott College in Arizona, where he earned a B.A. in visual arts. Regulars at Thump Coffee will also recognize him as a lead barista there. His aspirations include becoming “a telemark skiing master, a kinder person and a better cook.”

Chaprnka says his collaboration with Sinclair, a Thump Coffee regular, is the result of a shared deep appreciation for Central American coffees. “Ben is sincere, incredibly loyal and grew up cutting trees.”

February Featured Cup: El Salvador Santa Rita Direct Trade

From Kent: “I included a sample of the Santa Rita in our public cupping in January and was pleasantly surprised to find it was the crowd favorite. It is an unusual bean because it is a “natural processed” Latin American, whereas most Central American coffees are washed processed. When done properly, the natural process can produce  sweeter, more berry-like flavors with a syrupy mouth-feel. I also like the fact that it was processed under the guidance of Aida Battle, who we had the good fortune to meet several weeks ago at Stumptown in Portland. Her Finca Kilimanjaro is one of my all-time favorite coffees, so it’s no surprise that this coffee is of such high quality. Thank you Stumptown for finding another unique and exquisite bean!”

Seasonal Bites & Sips
Winter Baked Treats
· Pecan Pie Bars
· Pecan Raisin Sweetbread
· Pumpkin Cranberry Coffee Cake

Warm Winter Drinks
· Crème Caramel Latte
· Cinnamon Kiss Latte
· Nutty Luv Mocha
· Hot Apple Cider

Buena ONDA!

Thump customers helped raise nearly $400 for the Oregon Natural Desert Association through the purchase of ONDA calendars here. 100% of the proceeds go to support ONDA’s efforts to protect, defend and restore the health of Oregon’s native deserts. A big “Thanks!” goes out to all of you!

News Thumpdates
•    Happy Birthday! Thump and daughter Finley recently turned 2!  They’re both running around and talking up a storm!
•    Thump Coffee is featured in the January 2009 issue of Fresh Cup Magazine, a monthly national publication for specialty coffee and tea professionals. The two-page “Café Crossroads – Retailer Spotlight” article includes a Q&A-style interview with Thump owners, Kent and Hazel Chapple. Photos of the shop’s interior and exterior taken by Thump’s lead barista Steven Chaprnka accompany the article. Take a look — you might be in one of the pictures!
•    We recently hosted a surprise party recognizing Ernie Mazorol, a member of Bend’s community who has worked very hard over the years on behalf of children and families in Deschutes County in family court, drug court, domestic violence court, as well as helping establish a supervised visitation center. To learn more about how one person is making a real difference, check out the 1/10/09 Bulletin article on our bulletin board.