by Jessica Weible, TWJ executive editor

Fusion Atelier, located on Main Street in Brookville, encourages local culture and opens doors to new experiences through food and art. Owners Christine Hoffman and Bill Stein are both artists who are committed to community development. They have brought their passions to Fusion Atelier, which includes an art gallery, studio space and cafe.

Art Gallery

The art gallery features regional painters, sculptors and craftsman who can display their work and sell on consignment. Artists are also encouraged to take advantage of a creative and functional space. The “Artist’s Corner” in the front window of Fusion Atelier gives artists a view of Main Street as they work, an experience that becomes performance art for each passersby on the street and in the gallery.

“Artists come in, sometimes as a featured artist in the window for the Artist’s Corner,” Hoffman explained. “What we are hoping to do is to just consistently have artists, musicians or something here. Somebody can come in, for example and set up a still life. It’s just a space for people to just be.”

CREATE Brookville

Three months out of the year, Fusion Atelier partners with local nonprofit organization, CREATE Brookville, to showcase student artwork from the Brookville Area School District, the Clarion Area School District as well as the Jefferson County Technical School. During this time, Fusion Atelier donates the gallery space so that all proceeds from the sale of artwork goes directly to local organizations. Fusion Atelier also reserves space for CREATE-sponsored groups and events to come together.

Fusion Cafe

Though Hoffman and Stein keep a steady focus on supporting and celebrating regional artwork, they also work hard to innovate in regards to their other passion: food. Located in Fusion Atelier is Fusion Cafe, which offers a breakfast and lunch menu with tasty items that often incorporate new flavors and creative combinations.

Stein admits the pair spend a lot of time reading food blogs, watching cooking shows and traveling the country to find ideas for their next recipe.

“We are lucky enough to travel a bit, so we test out other flavors in our travels,” Stein said. “I came back from Florida last year and said, ‘Salmon BLT! We are putting it on the menu this week because it was the best sandwich I ever had.’ So, our inspirations come from all over the place.”

Regulars at the cafe have come to appreciate each week as a food adventure. Dishes like Artichoke Pesto Pizza, Chicken Leek and Brie Pie, and Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl give customers a taste of something a little bit different.

“There is this one gentleman who comes in a lot– we have worked with him through a lot of different organizations– and people joke about how he never tries anything new,” Stein recalled. “But he was in here the other day talking about how we convinced him to try things he never even heard of before. It is a really great compliment. Those are the moments that I feel like we are accomplishing our mission.”

Followers of Fusion Cafe can plan their meals by either finding Fusion Cafe on Facebook or joining their email list where every Monday evening, Fusion Cafe announces its menu for the week. Fusion Cafe is also available for light catering and office luncheons.

“We can do bridal showers and things here,” Hoffman said. “We can accomodate for about 50 people.” Stein added that they both particularly enjoy being able to combine their talents to offer birthday party packages where party-goers can get professional-quality photographs, delicious treats and activities centered around creative themes.

Fusion Atelier

Visitors to Fusion Atelier are always sure to find something interesting happening at this creative space, which partners with many community organizations and individuals to support regional art and culture. Both Hoffman and Stein say they are often inspired by the exchange of ideas, experiences and stories that happen around them.

“Last night, I was in the kitchen making a new biscotti recipe and at the same time there are cloggers back there clogging and photographers talking shop out here and knitters sitting there crocheting and knitting,” Stein said. “There was a whole lot going on and it felt pretty good.”