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Montrose’s newest nexus melds caffeinated beverages and homegrown art. Sited in the just-unveiled Art League Houston Studio School ( building by architect irving Phillips ), Inversion boasts interiors by Houston design wizard and internationally exhibited artist Kelly Gale Amen. When owners and partners Amy and Greg Johnson approached Amen 16 months ago, he immediately said yes, with one condition — that the new coffee stop provide a venue for “an authentic experience.” Through out its 1,800-square-foot space, with ceilings soaring to 25 feet, are signature Amen touches, executed by builder Steve Streller: granite ledges with apron-drape patterning; a palette of aubergine and gold; counter and shelves that pay homage to Amen’s museum-collected KGA furniture; and even a KGA aluminum bench, decorated with paint drips by students from Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy, that stands like a sentinel at its entrance. For the art, Amen combined canvases from emergent lensman Caitlin Gillen, while the building’s 12-foot-by-12-foot nook features rotating, juried exhibitions ( first up, Daniel Adame curates works by Garrison’s students ).
On the windows: An etched-glass rendition of the Dan Havel-and-Dean Ruck sculpture that inspired this java spot’s moniker. Michael Terrazas, a former Starbuck’s honcho, designed the drinks menu and does barrista honors. Percolating are fair-trade, organic and locally roasted coffee and corresponding drinks — lattes to macchiatos — plus pastries, sandwiches and salads by nearby Kraftsmen Baking ( and free Wi-Fi ). With 60 seats inside and 60 patio-side ( adjoining ALH’s sculpture garden ), Inversion is the new HQ for the art-smart set. Catherine D. Anspon
