Coffee lovers, art aficionados, and plant enthusiasts came together on February 16, Friday for Plain Sight’s first artist event, featuring multimedia artist Lee Caces. The event offered attendees the opportunity to savor “Burst,” Plain Sight’s latest coffee blend crafted in collaboration with the artist, while also immersing in Lee’s visual work and inspirations through a plant workshop and art exhibit.
A crowd gathers outside the Plain Sight HQ during Lee Caces' artist reception
Frequent encounters at events and a shared passion for coffee led to a collaboration between Lee and Plain Sight, resulting in an event celebrating the creative synergy between coffee and visual art. Opening the event, Plain Sight’s CEO Sean Lee and artist Lee Caces shared insights into the creative journey behind Plain Sight, Burst, and the specially designed label artwork.
Attendees were treated to a drink demonstration featuring the brand’s Apple Burst Aerocano recipe, expertly crafted and served by Plain Sight’s head roaster Kurt Lee. A beverage that encapsulates both cozy comfort and refreshing zest, the Apple Burst Aerocano is a Plain Sight signature-in-the-making that showcases the versatility and depth of flavors found in Burst, underscoring the sweet and fruit-forward notes of apples, molasses, and biscuits.
Concluding the event, Lee Caces facilitated an engaging Kokedama plant workshop where participants delved into the art of nurturing Kokedamas and caring for plants amidst bustling city life. Lee, a self-confessed plant enthusiast, has harbored a passion for gardening as long as he’s held a passion for art—a fact that reflects in his portfolio of work, which is often botanically-inspired. The interactive session with plants offered attendees a unique insight into the artist's creative process and inspirations, fostering a deeper connection with both Lee and his artistry.
Lee Caces facilitating the Kokedama workshop
Extending the opportunity for further engagement with his art, an artist reception for Lee is also scheduled for February 18, Sunday, where his works are put on display and are currently open for public viewing at the Plain Sight HQ until March 8. Burst coffee blend, tote bags and A3 risograph prints are also available for purchase for the duration of the exhibit, as well as on the Plain Sight website.
While Plain Sight has a history of artist collaborations, having previously worked with Tita Keks, Joly Poa, and Nica Cosio, this collaboration with Lee marks the first event of its kind. “This is the first artist collaboration where we’ve planned an event, the first where we’re also kind of an art gallery,” says CEO Sean Lee. “I’ve always been interested in art and now that Plain Sight is growing, it feels like the right time to put more emphasis on the artists we work with.”
Lee Caces posing with the Burst label artwork
Sean has also expressed enthusiasm for future artist collaborations, stating, “I hope this can become a regular occurrence—it's going to be an active project for Plain Sight for sure.” As a testament to this commitment, the company has already launched the Instagram page @plainsight.art, which will showcase future collaborations and featured artists.
Whether through coffee, art, and events, Plain Sight is dedicated to fostering creativity and supporting the local art scene. With future projects in the works (coffee-centric and beyond), be sure to stay updated on future events and collaborations by following @plainsight.coffee and @plainsight.art on Instagram, or visit www.plainsight.coffee for updates and information.
Words by Natalie Ann Unson