There must be something in the air between artists and cafes these days. SFist spotted this flyer the other day, which was plastered on every block in the Tenderloin/Tendernob area. Apparently, a 3 x 4-foot painting was stolen from an art exhibit at Cafe Royale (800 Post) in May, and the artist/curator, Emilia, would like everyone to know that she was not paid her alleged curating fee of $400 from January through May for organizing the show. (Incidentally, that sounds like an awfully large sum of money for a cafe to fork over.)

The flyer had a dose of reality added to it before we discovered it. Circled in red is a note, probably from a lawyer, that reads: "Put It In Writing." Bingo. (Along with a Church of Drum & Bass sticker.)

Speaking of Cafe Royale, they're the epicenter of the next 200 Yards exhibit, which opens August 4th, in collaboration with The Tender.

Update: SFist contacted Cafe Royale owner Les Cowan for his side of the story. He explains:

Emelia Loomis curated four shows for Cafe Royale: January, March, April, and May of this year. She was paid for all except the last. She was not paid the $200 fee for the May show, and that payment is currently in dispute between us. I have explained to her my position and the terms under which I would pay her. I have made clear to her that I am open to negotiation. I do not know why she believes she is owed for two shows.

There is a separate but related issue of a painting that may have been stolen from the Cafe. As you may know, artists generally understand that they exhibit their work in a Cafe at their own risk. As long as I've been at Cafe Royale, and under previous ownership, too, artists have signed liability waivers acknowledging this. Part of the curator's job has always been to obtain those waivers. Ms. Loomis failed to do so for the painting in question.

It's a shame that disputes like this occur, breeding bad feeling. I hope this one will be resolved soon. In any case, Cafe Royale will continue its longstanding practice of supporting the arts, including visual arts, theater, music, and literature.