At Café Mila, we believe that art and cuisine go hand-in-hand, nourishing the soul as much as the body. As you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted by an ever-evolving display of handcrafted ceramics, vibrant paintings, and intricate pottery pieces – all created by talented local and regional artists. These artful expressions not only enhance the ambiance of our space but also tell a story of the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that permeates our community.
Celebrating the Art of Ceramics
Ceramics have long been a cherished medium for artists, with its ability to transform humble clay into objects of beauty and function. In Kampala, we are fortunate to have a thriving community of ceramic artists who pour their hearts and souls into every piece they create.
One such artist is Marika du Plessis, whose whimsical and organic ceramic creations have become a signature part of the Café Mila experience. Marika’s pottery pieces, from delicate vases to rustic serving bowls, are imbued with a sense of playfulness and connection to the natural world. She often draws inspiration from the textures and forms found in nature, skillfully translating them into functional works of art.
“When I’m at the pottery wheel, I let the clay guide me,” Marika shares. “I’m not just creating an object; I’m telling a story through the curves, the contours, and the interplay of light and shadow.”
Marika’s creative process is a true labor of love, involving meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the medium. Each piece is meticulously hand-thrown, meticulously trimmed, and carefully glazed to achieve the perfect balance of form and function.
Embracing the Imperfect Beauty of Pottery
While some may view pottery as a purely functional art form, the artists at Café Mila see it as a canvas for self-expression and emotional exploration. Take, for instance, the work of Lisa York, a local ceramicist who has captivated our customers with her unique approach to pottery.
“I’m drawn to the imperfect beauty of pottery,” Lisa explains. “There’s something so authentic and genuine about the way the clay responds to the touch of the human hand. Each piece is a reflection of the artist’s unique journey and experiences.”
Lisa’s pottery pieces often feature organic shapes, textured surfaces, and a delicate balance of light and shadow. Her work is a testament to the idea that pottery can be both utilitarian and deeply meaningful, serving as a vessel for personal narratives and emotional resonance.
One of Lisa’s recent exhibitions at Café Mila, titled “Pots and Memories,” showcased a collection of pieces that explored the connection between pottery and the human experience. Each mug, bowl, and vase was imbued with a sense of memory and personal significance, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect on the stories embedded within.
Painting the Tapestry of Life
Alongside the vibrant world of ceramics, Café Mila’s walls are adorned with a diverse array of paintings that capture the essence of our local community and beyond. From the bold, abstract canvases of Minli Virdone to the delicate, nature-inspired works of Marika du Plessis, these artworks offer a visual feast for the senses.
Minli, a local artist and community leader, has been a fixture at Café Mila, sharing her creative journey with our customers. Her recent exhibition, “In an Interesting Turn of Events,” showcased a series of ceramic art pieces that blended traditional pottery techniques with a modern, knit-inspired aesthetic.
“I never thought of myself as an artist,” Minli admits. “But through my pottery journey, I’ve learned to embrace the discomfort of being a beginner and the patience required to truly master a craft. These lessons have not only transformed my artistic practice but have also informed the way I approach life.”
Minli’s artwork, with its whimsical textures and unexpected combinations, serves as a testament to the power of artistic exploration and self-discovery. Her pieces invite the viewer to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the transformative potential of creative expression.
Elevating the Everyday with Handcrafted Pottery
At Café Mila, we believe that art has the power to elevate the everyday, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. This sentiment is embodied in the work of Marika du Plessis, whose pottery pieces seamlessly blend function and beauty.
Marika’s ceramics, ranging from elegant vases to rustic serving dishes, are not only visually stunning but also designed with the user in mind. Each piece is meticulously crafted to enhance the dining experience, whether it’s the smooth, tactile surface of a handmade mug or the organic curves of a serving bowl that perfectly cradle a fresh salad.
“I want my pottery to be more than just a pretty object,” Marika explains. “I want it to become an integral part of the everyday rituals and experiences that bring people together. When you use a handmade ceramic piece, you’re not just consuming food – you’re engaging with the story and the energy that the artist has poured into it.”
Marika’s passion for pottery extends beyond the physical creation of her pieces. She is also deeply invested in the connection between art, community, and sustainability. Through her involvement with local organizations and educational initiatives, Marika shares her knowledge and inspires others to explore the transformative power of ceramics.
Embracing the Impermanence of Art
In a world that often values perfection and permanence, the artists at Café Mila remind us of the beauty and wisdom inherent in the impermanent nature of art. This sentiment is particularly evident in the work of Minli Virdone, whose ceramic art pieces challenge the notion of traditional pottery.
Minli’s recent exhibition at Café Mila featured a series of delicate, porcelain pieces that were designed to resemble soft, knitted textures. These intricate creations, which Minli wore as “wearable ceramics” during a fashion show, served as a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of artistic expression.
“In the process of creating these pieces, I had to confront my own attachment to the final product,” Minli shares. “I learned to embrace the impermanence of the creative journey, knowing that at any moment, my work could be broken, lost, or altered beyond recognition.”
This acceptance of impermanence is a recurring theme in the work of many of the artists featured at Café Mila. For them, the true value of art lies not in its permanence, but in its ability to capture a moment in time, to evoke an emotion, and to inspire a deeper connection with the world around us.
Cultivating a Vibrant, Collaborative Community
At the heart of Café Mila’s artistic ecosystem is a vibrant, collaborative community of local and regional artists, each with their unique voice and perspective. Through regular exhibitions, workshops, and artist-in-residence programs, we strive to create a space that fosters creative exchange, mutual inspiration, and the cross-pollination of ideas.
One such initiative is the Café Mila Artist Collective, a curated group of ceramicists, painters, and mixed-media artists who work closely with our team to shape the artistic vision of the café. These talented individuals not only contribute their artwork to our ever-evolving display but also share their knowledge and expertise with our customers through educational workshops and demonstrations.
“Being part of the Café Mila Artist Collective has been a transformative experience,” says Marika du Plessis. “Not only do I have the opportunity to showcase my work in a vibrant, community-focused setting, but I also get to learn from and collaborate with other artists who are equally passionate about their craft.”
Through these collaborative efforts, Café Mila has become a hub for creative exchange, where artists, patrons, and community members can come together to celebrate the power of handmade, artisanal expression. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or simply seeking to add a touch of beauty and meaning to your everyday life, our ever-changing roster of exhibitions and events offers something for everyone.
Embracing the Sensory Experience of Art
At Café Mila, we believe that the appreciation of art goes beyond the visual realm, extending into the realms of touch, smell, and even taste. This holistic approach to artistic expression is evident in the way we curate our space, incorporating handcrafted ceramics, textiles, and other sensory-rich elements that invite our customers to fully immerse themselves in the artistic experience.
One of the ways we achieve this is through our collaboration with local textile artists, who create bespoke tablecloths, napkins, and other textiles that add a tactile layer to the dining experience. These meticulously crafted pieces not only enhance the aesthetic of our space but also encourage our customers to slow down and savor the textures and patterns that surround them.
Similarly, our partnership with regional potters and ceramicists allows us to offer a diverse range of handmade serveware and tableware, each piece imbued with its own unique character and charm. From the smooth, glazed surfaces of our mugs to the organic, earthy tones of our serving bowls, these artful creations engage the senses and elevate the act of dining to a truly immersive experience.
But the sensory exploration doesn’t stop there. At Café Mila, we also work closely with local artisanal producers, sourcing high-quality ingredients and crafting specialty beverages that complement the artistic ambiance of our space. Whether it’s the rich, fragrant aroma of our hand-roasted coffee or the delicate, floral notes of our curated tea selection, these sensory experiences help to create a holistic, multi-dimensional encounter with the arts.
Fostering Mindfulness and Artistic Exploration
As we continue to curate and celebrate the vibrant artistic community of Kampala, we at Café Mila are also dedicated to fostering a sense of mindfulness and personal growth among our customers. By integrating art-based workshops, meditation sessions, and other mindful practices into our programming, we aim to create a space where creativity, self-reflection, and personal transformation can flourish.
One such initiative is our “Pottery and Presence” workshop, led by Marika du Plessis and her team of ceramic artists. In these sessions, participants are invited to step away from the distractions of daily life and immerse themselves in the meditative process of working with clay. Through guided exercises and mindful exploration of the material, attendees are encouraged to connect with their senses, tap into their inner creativity, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence and self-awareness.
“Working with clay is such a grounding and centering experience,” Marika explains. “As you feel the texture of the material, hear the sound of the wheel, and witness the transformation of the form, you can’t help but be drawn into the present moment. It’s a powerful way to practice mindfulness and tap into your own creative wellspring.”
In addition to our pottery workshops, Café Mila also hosts a variety of other mindfulness-focused events, including guided meditation sessions, breathwork classes, and even art-based journaling workshops. By integrating these practices into our programming, we aim to create a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit, helping our customers to find a sense of balance, self-discovery, and connection within the vibrant artistic tapestry of our community.
Celebrating the Cycle of Life through Art
At Café Mila, we believe that art has the power to not only beautify our physical spaces but also to reflect the deeper cycles and rhythms of the natural world. This sentiment is perhaps most evident in the work of Marika du Plessis, whose ceramic pieces often draw inspiration from the impermanent, yet infinitely regenerative, patterns of nature.
“When I’m working with clay, I’m constantly reminded of the cyclical nature of life,” Marika shares. “The material itself is a product of the earth, formed over millennia through the processes of erosion and decomposition. And as I shape and transform the clay, I’m participating in that ongoing cycle of creation and destruction, birth and rebirth.”
This awareness of impermanence is a central theme in Marika’s artistic practice, and it’s one that she seeks to share with the Café Mila community. Through her pottery workshops and artist talks, Marika encourages participants to embrace the transient nature of their creations, understanding that the true value of art lies not in its permanence, but in its ability to capture a moment in time and to reflect the ever-changing tapestry of the natural world.
“When a piece of pottery breaks or is intentionally shattered, it’s not the end of the story,” Marika explains. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence, to honor the impermanence of all things, and to find beauty in the process of transformation and renewal.”
By fostering this deeper, more holistic understanding of art and its relationship to the natural world, Café Mila aims to inspire a sense of wonder, reverence, and personal growth among our customers. Whether you’re admiring the intricate, organic forms of Marika’s ceramics or exploring the meditative process of working with clay, our hope is that you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wisdom inherent in the ever-changing tapestry of life.
Celebrating the Artistry of Coffee and Tea
At Café Mila, our dedication to the arts extends beyond the visual realm, encompassing the rich, sensory-driven world of specialty coffee and tea. We believe that the preparation and appreciation of these beverages is an art form in its own right, one that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with the cultural traditions and global influences that have shaped these timeless elixirs.
Our coffee menu, curated by our in-house barista team, features a rotating selection of single-origin beans and expertly crafted espresso-based drinks. Each cup is a masterpiece in its own right, with the baristas using precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of the science behind coffee to extract the perfect balance of flavors and aromas.
“When you pour a beautifully crafted latte or hand-brew a pour-over, you’re not just making a drink – you’re telling a story,” says our head barista, Amina. “You’re celebrating the hard work and dedication of the farmers, the roasters, and the countless individuals who have played a role in bringing that coffee to life.”
In a similar vein, our tea program at Café Mila is a true ode to the art of infusion. Working closely with local and regional tea producers, we’ve curated a selection of premium loose-leaf teas that showcase the diverse flavors, aromas, and cultural histories of this ancient beverage. From the delicate, floral notes of our Jasmine Pearl tea to the robust, earthy tones of our Pu-erh, each sip is a journey through the rich tapestry of global tea traditions.
“Tea is so much more than just a drink – it’s a ritual, a cultural touchstone, and a means of connecting with the natural world,” explains our tea sommelier, Amani. “By offering our customers the opportunity to explore and savor these exceptional teas, we’re inviting them to engage with the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every cup.”
To further enhance the artistic experience of our coffee and tea offerings, we’ve integrated a range of educational workshops and tasting events into our programming. From hands-on barista training sessions to tea-pairing dinners, these immersive experiences allow our customers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of these beloved beverages, while also connecting with the passionate individuals and communities who bring them to life.
Cultivating a Sustainable, Community-Focused Approach
At the heart of Café Mila’s artistic vision is a deep commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and ethical practices. We believe that art has the power to not only beautify our spaces but also to inspire positive change and foster a more resilient, equitable future.
One of the ways we put this belief into action is through our collaboration with local artisanal producers and small-scale farmers. By sourcing our ingredients and materials from these community-based partners, we’re able to support the local economy, reduce our environmental footprint, and ensure that the creative and culinary traditions of our region are celebrated and preserved.
This commitment to sustainability extends to the way we operate our café as well. From our zero-waste initiatives to our use of renewable energy sources, we strive to minimize our impact on the planet and to serve as a model of eco-conscious business practices. And by engaging our customers in these efforts – through educational workshops, community cleanups, and other sustainability-focused events – we hope to inspire a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the walls of our café.
But our dedication to community goes beyond just environmental stewardship. We also believe in the power of art to bring people together, to foster meaningful connections, and to celebrate the rich diversity of our region. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to partner with local artists, musicians, and community organizations, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and share their stories with our patrons.
Whether it’s hosting a live music performance, sponsoring a local art exhibition, or collaborating on a community-based project, Café Mila is committed to being a hub of creative exchange and social impact. By cultivating these meaningful partnerships and fostering a sense of shared purpose, we aim to contribute to the vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of our local community.
