A changing gallery of art is a highlight of the new décor unveiled this past week at Excuses Pizza, Pasta and Subs in Jefferson. Most of it is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to local charities.
Currently hanging is art by Dana Harrison, Roger Aegerter and the late Diane Foster, and photography by Joe Cummings, Jamie Daubendiek and Scott Fairbairn.
Owner Chantalle Long said she and her husband Tong enjoyed the “Going Fishing” décor that was there when they purchased the restaurant a few years ago, but it was time for a change. Because the restaurant doesn’t serve fast food, but cooks everything to order, the décor in the dining room is important, Chantalle said.
“We wanted a change in scenery, and with the art, it will always be changing. We’ll enjoy that and our customers will enjoy it,” Chantalle said. “It will be a fresh feeling every time people come in.”
Most of the art is for sale. The family of Diane Foster, retired Jefferson-Scranton art teacher, has designated that all proceeds from the sale of her art go to Genesis Development. Diane’s husband Andy said he and Diane are longtime supporters of Genesis and the family directed memorials at the time of her death last summer to Genesis.
The other artists and the Longs are splitting proceeds from sales. According to Chantalle, Excuses plans to donate its share to local charities.
Local interior designer Jody Lang helped the Longs with the redecoration and contacted the local artists. She will continue as the contact person for the artists.
“There are so many beautiful pieces by local people. We’ll enjoy having their fresh ideas, their fresh pieces,” Chantalle said.
A favorite display at the “old” Excuses was downsized but remains. On the wall nearest the service counter is a tribute to Lance Cpl Ben Carman, a 2002 Jefferson-Scranton graduate who was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, April 6, 2004. “That will always be there,” Chantalle said. “The community won’t forget Ben, and neither will we.”
