Royal/ T (http://www.royal-t.org/)

Royal/T is a playful blending of café, concept shop and art exhibition space. The space reflects the interior realm of fantasy that strongly influences the artists included in owner Susan Hancock's collection. Royal/T Cafe is inspired by the meido kissa (maid café) phenomena of Akihabara--Tokyo's electronic district. Recontextualizing the underground culture of Japan that celebrates cosplay (costume play) waitresses dress in maid uniforms, with a Lolita-esque touch and the café serves a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine with local and organic California style. The art space showcases curated exhibitions with a focus on Japanese contemporary art; and an inventive concept store emulates the collections' sophistication--a fusion of pop culture and high-end design. THE OWNER - Susan Hancock Susan Hancock opened Royal/T, a new concept space in the gallery district of Culver City merging art, café and shop, in April 2008. A philanthropist and an avid collector, Hancock has served on both the Chairman's Council and Painting and Sculpture Committee of the Whitney Museum of American Art. She currently serves on the Producer's Council of the New Museum, the Board of the International Collector's Committee in New York, and the Board of Trustees at the Independent Curators International. Hancock is also a member of the patron group at MOCA, North Miami Beach, and the Internationals Director's Council for Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. She has lent support and sponsorship to several exhibitions including Little Boy: The Arts of Japan's Exploding Subculture, organized by the Japan Society in collaboration with the Public Art Fund. For more information, please visit our website at www.royal-t.org