Even before the Eccentric Café opened in 1993, Bell’s Brewery has been committed to its community and re-vitalizing its areas in downtown Kalamazoo.
That commitment to breathe new life into the community continues with the addition of a brand-new mural on the west side of Bell’s downtown retail campus from Kalamazoo-based, Dream Scene Placemaking. Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas began working on the mural on April 19.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our spaces downtown. Our team is very dedicated, and I am always thinking about how to take this space to another level,” said Larry Bell, President, and Founder of the 35-year-old brewery.
This mural project had been in the planning stages for a few years. Work was scheduled to begin just before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in March 2020. It was completed on May 14 and is now one of the largest outdoor pieces of artwork in Kalamazoo.
The mural incorporates images and messaging that represent what Bell’s is passionate about, the highest quality ingredients (hops), innovation along with high quality and consistent craft beer (silhouette of our original brewery) no matter how much the brewery grows over time.
It also features the Brewers Associations’ Independent Seal, which can only be used by breweries who fit the trade group’s definition of small, independent craft brewers. Bell’s is proud to remain 100% family-owned and fiercely independent.
The company’s commitment to being “Open to All” is also well-represented.
“‘Open to All’ greets everyone who visits any of our buildings, whether that’s our pub, store or our Comstock Brewery. We are firmly committed to an environment that is rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion for our employees and our guests. This mural makes that statement loud and clear,” said Carrie Yunker, Bell’s Executive Vice President.
To celebrate the completion and official unveiling of the mural, the Café will offer $1 off all “B1 Beers” (specialty beers brewed at Bell’s original brewery that are only available at Bell’s pub) on June 4-6. This coincides with the city of Kalamazoo’s JumpstART (previously June Jubilee) celebration of the local arts community and the kick-off to summer.
The Café will celebrate its 28th anniversary on June 11. Bell’s is the first Michigan brewery to sell beer by the glass on site since Prohibition.
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