University of Virginia Library

Prism Coffeehouse Expanded

By Brewster Moseley

In the fall of 1965, a circular
was distributed to University
students asking their preferences in
entertainment. One
question, "Would you support a
local coffeehouse?", prompted such
an enthusiastic response that the

Westminster Presbyterian Church
donated a building which developed
into one of the most successful
coffeehouses in Virginia.

The initial momentum for the
Prism, so named because of the
diversification of interests there,
was provided by the United
Ministry Foundation, an
organization founded by several
Charlottesville churches in
association with the University. The
UMF not only provided financial
assistance for the Prism when it was
first organized, but also created a
Steering Committee consisting of
six students, three ministers, and
three faculty members.

Student Operated

Although the entire physical
operation of the Prism is handled
exclusively by University students,
the Steering Committee acts in
both an advisory and legislative
capacity, and decisions affecting
various administrative procedures
are reached by a majority vote.

Until recently, activities at the
Prism were limited to folk music
entertainment, chess and checkers,
and an occasional symposium,
lately, however, it has undergone
several changes.

Due to the large number of
music enthusiasts which had been
frequenting the Prism, more space
was needed to accommodate them.
A wall was removed in the main
concert room, and the stage was
relocated to provide space for extra
tables and chairs.

"Head Shop"

One room which had hitherto
been used as a game room was
completely redecorated, and now
serves as an art gallery. The "back
room," a favorite hangout for song
writers, guitarists, and regular
customers, was also refurbished and
is now a "head shop" called
Xanadu.

Like the Prism itself, Xanadu is
operated on a strictly non-profit
basis. It specializes in "whatever
your head desires", and this
includes such miscellaneous
paraphernalia as Indian print
bedspreads, water pipes, black light
posters, nehru shirts, silver jewelry,
and even sosanoo scented powered
incense. This year the supply of
merchandise at Xanadu has almost
doubled, and more than a dozen
countries are represented.

Other innovations at the Prism
include a leathercraft shop and a
reading room, although the latter is
still in the planning stage. In the
leathercraft shop, currently being
completed upstairs, guitar straps,
sandals, belts, and other handmade
articles will be made and sold.

The reading room will contain a
collection of political literature and
will serve as a medium through
which any group or organization
can be fairly and equally
represented regardless of its
political views. The room will be
governed by the philosophy that in
one's search for the truth, he
should have access to all
viewpoints. And whether or not
they are in conflict with those of
the Administration should be of no
consequence. Neither liberal nor
conservative extremism will be
overemphasized. The reading room,
therefore, should be thought of as
a medium established as a
convenience for those interested in
viewing all angles. Whatever
is expressed here is determined
solely by whoever wants to express
it.

Program Expansion

In addition to the regular
program of folk entertainment,
occasional group discussions,
underground movies, and poetry
readings will be scheduled for
Thursday nights. Tom Chapman, a
University student whose poetry is
gaining wide reputation, will
organize Thursday evening reading
featuring the poems of various
poets in the University community.

Art Gallery

Currently on display in the art
gallery are works of two student
artists. The art show, which will run
through September, combines
collage or picture-poem works
created by Tom Jones with
charcoal impressions of nudes
sketched by Josh Orkin, the
manager of the gallery.

A new show will be presented
each month, and anyone interested
in contributing is urged to contact
Josh Orkin.

Since the folk scene is becoming
increasingly diversified in nature,
the Prism is able to present a great
variety of contemporary, blues, and
traditional folk music.

On nights when paid performers
are featured at the Prism, a cover
charge of fifty cents is asked. Half
of this goes to the performer and
the rest covers the Prism's operating
expenses.

The Prism is open on
Wednesday from 8 to 12 p.m., and
on weekends from 8 to 1:30 a.m.