A Café That Celebrates Connecticut Artists
At Belle Vie Café, food and creativity go hand in hand. We love filling our cozy Guilford space with the color, texture, and energy of local Connecticut artists, giving guests something beautiful to enjoy while they sip, chat, or unwind.
Each season, we feature a new rotation of artwork, carefully selected to reflect the warmth and spirit of our community. You’ll find paintings, photography, and mixed-media pieces displayed throughout both floors, from the sunny upstairs loft to the inviting downstairs nook.
It’s our way of supporting the artists who make the Connecticut shoreline such a vibrant place to live and visit.
Featured Artist: Eileen Eder
Now on view in the Loft Gallery, Still Life Everyday features the work of Connecticut artist Eileen Eder, on display at Belle Vie Café through August 19. A painter for more than 25 years, Eileen is known for her contemporary realism, thoughtful still life compositions, and plein air landscape paintings.
Her still life work explores the quiet beauty of everyday objects, including pieces such as White Onions #6, Silver Spoon, and Blue Bowl with Eggs. Through light, shadow, reflection, color, and composition, Eileen transforms familiar objects into layered paintings that invite viewers to pause, look closely, and reflect. Her work combines technical skill with a strong sense of narrative, allowing simple objects to feel expressive and full of presence.
Also included in the exhibition is Monoliths, one of Eileen’s large oil paintings inspired by plein air landscape painting. This piece reflects her appreciation for the natural world and the challenge of capturing changing light, color, and atmosphere outdoors.
Eileen is a member of several respected art organizations, including the Salmagundi Club, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Hudson Valley Art Association, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, and Lyme Art Association. Her paintings are held in collections throughout the United States, and she currently teaches at the Lyme Art Association in Old Lyme, CT.
Visit Belle Vie Café at 20 Church Street in Guilford, Connecticut to experience Still Life Everyday in the Loft Gallery and enjoy local art alongside your favorite café offerings. The Belle Vie Café Loft Gallery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
