White Center is experiencing something of a local renaissance and it's been underway for nearly two years now.

The White Center Arts Alliance and Cafe Rozella are the inspiration for the latest flowering of this new growth and its happening in an unlikely place - the White Center Glass and Upholstery at 9443 Delridge Way S.W. A new art space and bistro called All About Art is taking shape in a space the owners originally planned on using for their glass business.

A large scale mural is now being painted on the entire back or west face of the building on 17th Street. Owner Fern Falaschi said the space will be a combination performance/art/bistro and events center and will seat about 30 people.

The new facility is expected to open in mid- to late-June. It will have a full kitchen, permanent art installations, a projector for films, wine and beer tastings and full Wi-Fi capability.

"My idea is that it's going almost turn into an events center," said Falaschi.

The mural is being done by artist Christine Fouty and when complete will be a collage of art symbols such as a keyboard and a projector, plus a painted sign.

Falaschi said she was inspired by Ricardo Guarnero and his wife Latecia Martinez of Cafe Rozella and their efforts to bring more art to the community through the events they sponsor. Guarnero has been holding music nights, movie nights, literary nights with poetry and book readings and other White Center restaurants have had jazz and folk musicians perform.

"I think it's going to be very good for the community, and I think it's going to be a turning point for the area," Guarnero said.

To see more of Christine Fouty's work visit her Web site, www.cfoutydesign.com or to see more about Cafe Rozella, go to www.caferozella.com.

Patrick Robinson may be reached at pr@robinsonnews.com