Welcome back to another installment of People with Taste. This series delves into the sources of inspiration for our local creatives and tastemakers! This week, we’re highlighting Jean Cate, an artist and owner of The Center of Order and Experimentation (or COE). We were first introduced to COE by another People with Taste friend, Liv from Able Shoppe.
The first time we stepped into COE, our jaws dropped. This shop stands out as one of the coolest, most distinctive places we've visited in Chicago. If you’re a design nerd, it’s a must-see in person. Simply put, it’s a coffee and gift shop designed to create community and uplift independent makers in West Town. Jean’s art adorns the walls and her outpost of Martha Mae (her first business) offers a curated selection of the best tools for writing and other interesting art supplies. As you can tell, we’re big fans of Jean!
“During the height of the pandemic, it was one of the first times I took the time to watch spring unfold. I tracked the blossoms and watched the season unfold. This year, I've been paying attention to all of the new buds and green leaves as they've emerged. As I walk by, I'll give them a sniff or a quick pat, which makes me feel connected to nature in the city and the magic of rebirth.”
“At The Center of Order and Experimentation Mandy Lancia and I are working on a collaboration with Tereasa Surratt and Nathan Bobey from the Midwestern icon, Camp Wandawega. This past weekend I visited for the first time and was blown away by their attention to detail. Everything, and I mean everything, was thoughtfully designed, built, and curated. There are so many unique buildings and structures throughout the property, each with a different purpose or experience. I think of a shop as an opportunity to build a world, Camp Wandawega is a universe!
I drove my first motorized vehicle at camp! I was possessed! I could not stop smiling and laughing. If you're ever looking for a golf cart driver with a need for speed, let me know. I think it may be my life's calling.”
“At Martha Mae, we've been designing a custom set of porcelain teaware with local ceramicist, Danielle Chutinthranond of Monsoon Pottery. The Petal Collection pays homage to the deep influence that Asian ceramics play in Danielle's work and my grandmother's collection of petal cups. Translating the theme of petals into a larger collection, Danielle has taken her passion and knowledge of the Chinese practice of gong fu tea, and handcrafted an exclusive line of porcelain teaware.
It has been fascinating and educational learning about the Chinese practice of gong fu tea from Danielle, as well as tea types and origins. I feel so grateful and inspired to collaborate with talented friends I admire. We're launching the collection on May 4th at the shop if you'd like to come by and meet Danielle, sample tea, and eat fresh mochi!”
Seriously, if you haven’t been to Center of Order and Experimentation, you. must. go. Come for their 1960s carpeted front counter, stay for their locally sourced products, curated snacks and lattes.
Branding: Their branding is on point (done in partnership with Julie Purpura at hospitality design firm Avenir and Blank Studio in Chicago) when we asked Jean her favorite part of it she said “it was so fun creating this brand. We were inspired by midcentury libraries, Bauhaus and North Korean interior design. I love that it evokes this retro future corporate fantasy and holds this paradox between structure and order and art and creativity which is what I think retail is.”
Tea selection: We sourced their Flowerhead Tea for our recent tea party and it was YUM. We take our tea seriously and this is good tea. Big fans of the Double Mint Rose.
Signature room spray: We fell in love with the Universe of Harth, Peak Performance Spray in the store. It smells amazing, is made by a local Chicago artist and the branding is chef’s kiss. On the bottle it says ”Warning: When sprayed, goals will be achieved and tasks will be completed.”
Pens: The Martha Mae outpost is a sanctuary of cool art stuff. We recently spotted this Mark’s Days Ballpoint Pen No. 5. It’s made by a Japanese lifestyle stationary brand and has the days of the week written in french along with suggested activities. Adorable.
Thank you to Jean for having great taste!
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