Inside the Open Source Project café, the scent of brewing coffee is identical to every other coffee shop — but the similarities stop there.
Since it opened in May, the Open Source Project has been attracting customers for its coffee, but it keeps them around for its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic mix of an art gallery, music venue and café rolled into one.
To this end, Project will host Wrecka Stow, a public auction of vintage vinyls, Friday at 8 p.m. The Project continues to host a mix of art and music events throughout the month.
“It’s just a good atmosphere. We have a lot of fun here and (it’s) relaxing,” co-owner and global studies undergraduate Gianni Assam said.
Among the many distinctive characteristics of the Project near University Drive and Dorsey Lane are a giant graffiti mural splashed across one of the walls and a ping-pong table in the middle of the room.
Art senior Amy Radcliffe said features like that make the Open Source Project special.
“It has a unique quirk to it for sure and it looks like it has a lot of potential,” Radcliffe said.
Assam said the coffee is a means to pay the bills but the ultimate goal is to build a community center and hub for emerging artists, poets and musicians.
The Open Source Project hosts open mic nights on Mondays and features a different local band’s performance on the last Friday of each month, called Final Friday.
Biochemistry senior Robbia Hendrix said the chill environment would keep her coming back to the Project.
“I study a lot so I like a place to be quiet and chill and I feel like this (place) definitely has that vibe,” Hendrix said.
Radcliffe said the Project separates itself from other coffee shops because it is so accepting of everyone.
“So many coffee shops these days are very exclusive and you feel like you need to know someone to be accepted,” Radcliffe said. “I think that welcoming, inclusive feel when you come into a place is super important.”
Assam said the ultimate goal is to create a place for studying, hosting live performances four days a week, displaying art and screening documentaries.
“Our goal is to just create a space where pretty much everyone can feel welcome and enjoy it and have a good time,” Assam said.
Reach the reporter at brennan.j.smith@asu.edu
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