Kamama - Featuring Fine Art, Antiques, and a Coffee Shoppe in Mentone, Alabama

ABOUT US

Owners Ray and Sandra Padgett

Email: sandrapadgett@earthlink.net

Phone: 256-634-3001

Cell: 256-418-2879

Press Release

Grand Opening of Kamama

Gallery, Coffee Shoppe and Antiques in Mentone, Alabama

Saturday April 14, 2012 between 2:00 and 6:00 CDT

Ribbon-Cutting with Mayor Rob Hammond at 3:00

“Kamama” is the Cherokee Indian word for “butterfly”. Butterflies are very significant in the lives of Ray and Sandra Padgett owners of the business, which will celebrate its grand opening on April 14, 2012 in the historic town of Mentone, Alabama on top of Lookout Mountain. The Padgett’s have a thirty- year history with Mentone that began in 1980 when they bought the Mentone Springs Hotel. The couple had just turned forty that year; and they had a dream to restore the hotel and establish a foundation that supported education for artists. The planned foundation was to be called “Chrysalis” (the transformation stage when the insect’s structures are formed). The Padgett’s spent the next decade saving the hotel; but were unable to begin the foundation. The lobby of the hotel has two stained glass “butterfly” windows, a gift in the eighties that represent their unfinished dream.

Three decades later, the Padgett’s returned to Mentone after living in Vienna, Austria, Atlanta, Georgia and Florida. In January they bought a building across from Mason Park formerly Dessie’s Restaurant and the Mentone General Store. Over the past two months they have restored the building with a new timber and stacked stone façade. With the help of local tradesmen and talented friends they have given the 70’s building a “mountain look”. It sparkles inside! The business Kamama LLC will be home to an art gallery, the coffee shop “Twiggs” and room of antiques called “Montevallo Rd”. The gallery will feature local artists, stained glass, sculptures, potters, photographers and jewelers. Many artists will have a space with their work featured and there will be works sold on a consignment basis as well. Workshops are planned as well as musical events.

Ray Padgett retired from The Coca Cola Company. He spent his career in information science and computer software development; but he admits his heart was in architecture. He has restored ten properties and one apartment building during his life. Sandra, former president of the Mentone Area Arts Council, lacks artistic talent but has always been in awe of creative people. She still serves on the board of MAAC. The couple appreciates art and artists; and feels this will give a boost to the area. Mentone has twenty small galleries and is fast becoming known for art with many festivals throughout the year. ”Kamama” is in the heart of town and hopefully will become the heart of art. The coffee shop will be a warm, friendly place to enjoy pastries and beverages including “fruit smoothies” and fresh lemonade in the summer. “Montevallo Rd” will be managed by John Miller, owner of Miller Gallery in Oneonta, and feature antiques and presenting very unique pieces.

The art scene in Mentone has become a butterfly and no longer in the chrysalis stage. Join the Padgett’s to celebrate this lifelong dream on Saturday April 14, 2012 between 2:00 and 6:00 CST. Located at 5951 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone Alabama. For information, contact Sandra or Ray at 256 634-3001.

Kamama - Cherokee Indian word meaning "Butterfly"

Kamama in Mentone - Gallery, Twiggs Coffee Shoppe, and Montevallo Road Antiques