Author: ArmoryWeb

Exciting news–we will be reopening our Cafe on July 21st with a new concept–ROOTED: Armory Cafe & Farmstand! ROOTED will build on relationships we have with local farms and vendors that participate in our Somerville Winter Farmers Market. ROOTED’s mission is to source locally as much as possible, supporting our local farms and businesses and also providing our community with access to farm fresh produce and delicious grocery products. We will also accept SNAP (food stamps) payments and offer outdoor seating for up to 20 people in accordance with our zoning. Check out ROOTED’s new menu here, which will initially be available for takeout and online ordering, and feature our locally sourced products. ROOTED will be open everyday from 8am – 8pm. Please complete this online survey to guide us on which items you would most like to see available at ROOTED. 

We remain committed to being able to return to indoor arts, cultural and community events and programming when it is safe to do so. ROOTED is focused more on the community and creative economy aspects of our mission, and it will allow us to generate much-needed revenue so that we can operate in the short-term. Thank you in advance for supporting Arts at the Armory via ROOTED. We welcome your feedback as to how we can best serve you, our valued community.

We’re excited to share that Emily Totten is our Blue Ribbon Recipient of the Month. The Blue Ribbon recognizes a staff member, volunteer or intern who has demonstrated great dedication and outstanding performance at Arts at the Armory.

Getting ready to launch ROOTED has been a team effort but Emily has been leading the charge related to getting our physical space ready for this next chapter. She has accompanied the team at every turn with great insight and expertise, and tremendous research on best products.

Emily Totten is a Rhode Island-based interior designer with a passion for unique projects that support the community. With her architectural background and experience in residential and commercial design, she uses a flexible approach to solve problems and create beautiful spaces. One of her favorite projects was a local recording studio that was designed to help new musicians get started. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling. Have a project idea but not sure where to start? Get in touch at etotten330@gmail.com.

What do you do at Arts at the Armory? I am working on the interior design for the new ROOTED space, which includes the renovated cafe, local grocery offerings, and outdoor seating.

How long have you been volunteering at Arts at the Armory? I’ve been volunteering for three months now.

Why do you volunteer at Arts at the Armory? I volunteer because I believe that supporting the arts is critical, and I want to help Arts at the Armory survive and thrive through difficult times. One of the best uses of design skills is in enabling businesses like this one to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to support their communities. 

What do you like best about Arts at the Armory? I love the sense of community! Throughout the project I’ve been able to see the Armory’s deep connections with Somerville and the local artists/creators. It’s really wonderful to see those relationships celebrated. From working with Union Press in creating the logo/branding to offering local food options, the Armory makes every effort to support its community.

What is something you would like our community to know about you? I’ve been a professional interior designer for 4 years. I’m always eager to start new projects, and I love helping people realize their vision.

We are seeking to hire a Local Farm & Foods Expert & Manager! Arts at the Armory is rebooting its Cafe as ROOTED: Armory Cafe & Farmstand, which will feature produce and products from Somerville Winter Farmers Market vendors and other local farms. The successful candidate will conduct research on local produce, products and farms; curate local products for sale; and advise on sustainable inventory decisions at ROOTED. The Somerville Winter Farmers Market Manager position at the Center for Arts at the Armory (CAA) is also open. CAA is currently pivoting in response to COVID-19. It is likely that the SWFM will continue in a modified format during the 2020-2021 season and the successful candidate would also serve as the SWFM Manager. Please circulate widely and click here for a complete description.