December 2016
In late 2011 local artist Cathy Dorris decided to relocate her art gallery from Ashland to downtown Talent. Shortly after moving, she was hired to teach painting classes for a company known as the Brushed Cork. The recognition and success in her new location inspired her to provide an experience that combines wine and art and in July of 2015 Cathy and Jeff Dorris decided to transform her existing art gallery into an interactive art gallery and wine bar and Kindred Spirits was born. “The community responded very positively and within three months they expanded into the space next door,” Cathy said. “The rest is history.”
They have since added outdoor seating and two fire pits to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere downtown. In addition to serving a wide variety of local and world wines, they have added craft beers on tap and offer a unique food menu. “We are best known for the weekly drumming circle held every Friday evening, signature seasonal antipasta platter, second Friday artwalks and Jeff’s specialty “mocktails” (cocktails using wine and beer), “ Cathy said.
Cathy moved from Sabetha, Kansas to Ashland at an early age and made Southern Oregon her home ever since. “From the age of 12 I’ve been involved in creative arts, whether it be a percussionist for the rogue valley symphony, a mixed media artist, an illustrator or teaching art classes all over the west coast, I’ve pursued and embraced her career as an artist,” Cathy continued. “In the past twenty years I’ve participated in events and publications all over the state of Oregon and California, including cultural events in Ashland as well as featured in several magazine publications.” Currently she is excited to introduce new classes that will be held at Kindred Spirits. As the a Director of the Arts and Cultural Foundation of Talent, she and the other members are working on developing new projects, events, support for local artists, teaming up with Recology, working with The Friends Of The Animal Shelter and many other positive ideas to continue to add to the growth of our community.
Born and raised in Oregon, Jeff pursued a career in the fitness industry. He was the fitness director and personal trainer for different companies in New Mexico and all over Oregon.
After returning to Southern Oregon in 2009, he maintained his personal training career as well as started his own training company where he is still currently runs fitness classes at Danceworks with his girlfriend in Ashland.
“Kindred Spirits vision is not only to serve as a business but to inspire and come together to create a positive impact in our community with creative and cultural arts,” Cathy said. “As a family-owned and operated business, we make it a priority to provide a warm and family like atmosphere for everyone.”
You can find them on Facebook to keep up to date with all the announcements and events. Their current hours are Mon-Thurs 4-9pm and Friday 4-10pm. For more information, please call 541-821-0651 or 541-727-1620.
