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Walking into AltBar, customers will now be treated to a floor-to-ceiling mural as they enter the non-alcoholic bar and bottle shop in North Winton Village.
The central piece of the artwork is a glass bottle packed with tree boughs and closed with a wooden stopper. It is encircled with juniper berries, citrus fruits, and other flora, which add pops of bright color to the shades of green in the painting.
“I wanted to focus on a lot of the botanicals, and things that can go into these beverages,” says Sarah Rutherford, a muralist and creator of “Her Voice Carries” and “Stories of Strength,” as well as a co-founder of the youth employment program Roc Paint Division. “While also thinking about the vibe of the space and color palette, making sure it fits within what they already have developed.”
“From the moment Sarah sent me the outline of what she had on the wall, it was like ‘Oh, my God!’ It brings so much personality and color,” says Meg Hartman, who co-owns AltBar with her husband, Bob. “To me, it brings a sense of calming and peace. It’s something beautiful to just sit in and enjoy.”
She also notes that its central location to the bar, flanked by two sitting chairs, makes it an “Instagram worthy” spot for those looking to snap a trendy picture.
Visitors will have plenty of time to view, appreciate, and take photos with the artwork at an event celebrating the mural’s completion this weekend. Rutherford will speak about the piece and be available to chat with attendees during the event.
Hartman remarks that non-alcoholic beverages are a good option for a variety of people, such as new mothers or those who choose not to drink, including her husband, who made that choice five years ago. Going out after that decision, they realized that there were not a lot of interesting non-alcoholic options.
“We have always been big foodie, drink type of people. We used to go out all the time, we love supporting local bars and restaurants,” she recalls. “We want to go out and have a nice dinner and drink, but that’s not the same when you’re having a Diet Coke with a really nice meal.”
They found themselves at coffee shops most often, but the couple found that they missed the barroom experience.
“There’s a special experience sitting at a bar, socializing and meeting people,” Hartman says. “Why not do that with cocktails, not just like your Shirley Temples or your simple juice and syrup, but a real adult-feeling beverage that just happens to not have alcohol in it?”
“I really missed the ritual of it, I still love tasty things,” says Rutherford, who also does not drink alcohol. “AltBar really helped bridge that gap. It really added back to my life.”
While some bars and restaurants have expanded their non-alcoholic craft drink offerings, Hartman and her husband noticed a niche they could fill. After several successful pop-up events, they realized a brick-and-mortar location would be viable and opened AltBar last fall.
For Hartman, having a non-alcoholic option is about inclusivity and safety.
“It’s really important to us that we are a place where people can come and not be afraid they are going to be served alcohol. It’s a way to make sure everyone has an option and it’s a good option, not just soda,” she says. “And also that the center of the experience isn’t just going to be alcohol.”
Rutherford was a fan of AltBar even before starting work on the mural. She appreciates the Hartmans’ dedication to the community, further evidenced by AltBar’s monthly featured drink, where 50 percent of proceeds are donated to a local nonprofit.
This month, proceeds will go to the Willow Domestic Violence Center, an organization with which Rutherford has worked for her powerful series, “Stories of Strength,” a public art initiative created with survivors of domestic violence.
“I love that they’re thinking about how they can help the community,” says Rutherford. “And I think it’s important because they’re supporting Willow financially, but also from a public-awareness perspective. It’s really important that people in our community know that Willow is a resource and you are not alone.”
May’s featured drink will be available during the mural celebration event, along with free samples from non-alcoholic sparkling wine, French Bloom. There will also be discounts on purchases of French Bloom wine.
Largely, though, Hartman and Rutherford are excited to see people’s reaction to the new mural and the effect it will have on AltBar’s interior decor.
“I appreciate the fact that there’s a chance to gather around the mural. I think sometimes I do murals and leave without getting to see people’s reaction to it,” Rutherford says. “So, I’m really grateful we’re doing something to mark it and celebrate it.”
AltBar’s mural completion celebration will be held tomorrow, May 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. Sarah Rutherfod is slated to deliver remarks at 4 p.m. Free samples and drinks for purchase will be available during the event.
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist.
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