Nestled in the downbeat Noge-Sakuragicho District is Artmania Cafe Gallery Yokohama. Artmania event organizers started by promoting art in Tokyo before opening the cozy little three-story café gallery in 2010. I found it to be an unpretentious little place with a young, hip vibe. They offer a handful of well-priced food and beverage items; tables in the gallery space invite you to sit and enjoy the art.

The gallery is actually a renovated house with three floors available for artists to rent and show their work, the “self promotion” philosophy at play. Artists receive 100% of their sales. Renting space clearly makes the artists feel invested in the process and I was lucky enough to meet a talented young “freedom artist” with her work on display.

Begonia Rina was showing her exhibit “Colorado” on the first floor when I made it to the gallery. Artmania opened at 3:00 P.M., which is when I arrived along with a handful of other eager folks. Rina was on site greeting visitors. She handed me a brightly illustrated business card that read "Hi!! I'm Rina!! I'm a Freedom artist! Nice to meet you!!

Dressed like Frida Kahlo, with an artistic style to match, this seemed apropos. Having spent a good deal of time in Latin America myself, I appreciated its influence on her illustrations. All of her works were in bright hues of red, green and blue; the ones that stood out were her striking female portraits, they showed great promise in this young artist’s future work. Rina’s run at the gallery ends August 16th, 2012.

Yokohama’s Whimsicality Circus Vol. 3 opens August 18th, 2012 and runs through the 24th. Head out Saturday, August 18th, 2012, for the opening party; it starts at 6PM, entry is 2,000 JPY and includes snacks and all you can drink. If you are claustrophobic be warned, the space is quite “cozy”.

Café Menu

Drinks

• Coffee and Tea - 300 JPY
• Beer – 500 JPY

Food

• Pasta – 500 JPY
• Spicy Thai Noodles – 300 JPY
• Tuna Dip – 300 JPY
• Crackers – 300 JPY
• Honey Balsamic Ice cream – 300 JPY