Inkling Art & Cafe is preparing to open at 610 19th Ave. E in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, taking over the former Fuel Coffee space with a concept that combines a café, art studio, and community gathering place.
Expected to open around July 15, the business is led by co-owners Jules Reid and Mara Patton, who envision Inkling as a destination where guests can enjoy coffee, create art, attend workshops, and connect with others through hands-on creative activities.
“I would describe it as an art studio meets a café. It’s a café, but it also offers an experience because people are hungry for experiences,” Jules told What Now Seattle.
In addition to coffee drinks and lattes, Inkling Art & Cafe plans to offer pastries from French Guys Bakery. It will include a small selection of light food items, such as quiche, sandwiches, and avocado toast.
Alongside its beverage and food program, customers will be able to order art materials from a separate menu. Options are expected to include watercolor supplies, air-dry clay, collage materials, and monoprinting tools, allowing visitors to create while they socialize.
“You would walk into our café, maybe order something to drink, a coffee or a latte. At the same time, there is a menu with watercolors, air-dry clay, collage materials, and monoprinting supplies, and you can choose from that menu as well.”
Jules Reid’s background includes work as an art therapist and educator, as well as a master’s degree from Harvard focused on human development, arts, and education. Mara Patton previously worked in the arts sector through City Arts in Minneapolis before moving into game design.
The concept grew out of conversations between Jules and Mara about creating a space centered on creativity, curiosity, and community engagement.
“We have been talking for the past few years about how to create a space where people can come together, engage with the community, and do fun and creative exploration at the same time.”
Beyond daily café service, the owners envision the space hosting workshops, open studio sessions, live drawing events, and community gatherings designed to encourage creative expression.
The opportunity came together after the partners learned that Fuel Coffee would be closing its longtime Capitol Hill location.
“We live around the corner. We thought this was perfect and we just jumped at the opportunity.”
Inkling Art & Cafe is currently preparing the space ahead of its planned July opening and has been sharing updates on the project through social media.
