Mediums Art Lounge, a venue once located in Hillcrest, has reemerged downtown at 512 Center, next to EJ’s. Owner Jimmy Cheffen said he got burned out operating the venue by himself in Hillcrest; when his mother passed away, he decided to take a break. Now, he’s revived Mediums with a partner, Cajon Flowers, and associates Bruce James and Roby Warren.
The new space is 3,600 square feet, four times as big as the Hillcrest location. It also features a kitchen and a full bar. So far, the limited menu includes the likes of curried chicken and Mardi Gras wings. Cheffen, who is an assistant professor of English and literature at Philander Smith during the day, said that Mediums will host everything from spoken word events to neo-soul concerts to art parties to zumba exercise sessions. The lounge’s phone number is 501-374-4495; the website is myspace.com/mediumsartgallery and the current hours are 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday.