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Artists showcase works at Cafe Zoe

Cafe Zoe in Menlo Park is displaying 40 original works by artists from Abilities United until Feb. 10.

All of the art is for sale, with proceeds going directly to artists. Each Friday during the exhibit, Cafe Zoe, at 1929 Menalto Ave., will donate a percentage of food purchases from breakfast, lunch, and coffee to Abilities United.

The artists, all of whom have developmental disabilities, display a variety of techniques, using different media. Many have received instruction at Art for Well Beings and the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, and the Community School of Music and Art in Mountain View.

The artwork has sold to collectors for $50 to $500 per piece.

Cafe Zoe's owner, Kathleen Daly, is enthusiastic about the exhibit. "I am forever grateful to Abilities United for helping me when I relocated my brother, who has a developmental disability, to Palo Alto. This is my way of expressing my gratitude, plus the art is just so spectacular and looks so beautiful on our walls."

Abilities United recently presented Hellen Hsieh of Mountain View with the organization's President's Volunteer Award for her 200 hours of service as the organization's art curator. Ms. Hsieh, proprietor of Design Loft in Mountain View, frames the artwork with donated materials, helping the art sell more quickly and demand higher prices, according to Wendy Kuehnl, Abilities United marketing director.

Abilities United (formerly Community Association for Rehabilitation, or C.A.R.), which is based in Palo Alto, is a nonprofit organization for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Each year more than 2,500 people use its eight services.

Cafe Zoe is a community cafe located at the intersection of Menalto and Gilbert streets in the Willows neighborhood of Menlo Park. The cafe serves coffee, espresso drinks, and a selection of pastries, bagels, scones and oatmeal. The lunch menu features sandwiches and salads. Weekly specials include soup and quiche.

The cafe is a gallery for local artists. Live music is featured most Friday nights.