AR artist Black uses Lambertville coffeehouse for AR lab

LAMBERTVILLE — An augmented reality producer recently used DaCapo Summerlyn coffeehouse as a lab for his work.

Stephen Black, a globally recognized writer, photographer and AR artist, attended the coffeehouse's Christmas Tea Service recently. Black does some work in the Toledo area.

“He is a pioneer in creating Augmented Reality experiences and has done so in New York, Italy, Norway and Japan,” DaCapo's Denise Ellsworth said.

AR is the merging of a view from a real-world environment upon a digital image in real time. With AR, regular photos become more interactive for viewers.

“AR is not easy to explain, but is simple and fun to use in person," Ellsworth said. "The AR images are constantly updated and are full of surprises. The app is simple to use. With the app, you can see photos of the Christmas Tea as well as photos of some of the food and drink specialties of DaCapo."

To view Black’s photo exhibit, download the free Immersal app at immersal.com/app.

Black also has captured photos of the Bedford hockey team.

"Soon photos and videos by Stephen Black will be installed, including some of Bubiko Foodtour. Bubiko is making history in the world of AR," Ellsworth said.

"Bubiko, a co-creation with Sayuri Okayama, is a little chef from Thailand who likes to make people smile. She is our flagship character, with whom we learn about AR. Bubiko's AR app will be out soon," Black said.

Black plans to come to DaCapo at regularly scheduled times to explain his exhibit, Ellsworth said.

The Christmas Tea Service was new for DaCapo Summerlyn this year.

"This was the first time we offered an afternoon tea service,” Ellsworth said. "Everything was served in the tradition of a British afternoon tea, paired with four different teas from Toledo's Shaman & the Bear owned by Martha Quiroga. They are herbal, all-natural teas that promote wellness."

The event also featured linens and heirloom tea cups and glasses. Served were finger sandwiches, scones, macarons, mini muffins, chocolate and butter croissants.

Attending were 12, including two children. The tea was led by Cyndi Saint Germain.

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"We will be offering another afternoon tea in February, near Valentine’s Day. We have invited Tony Marchese and his group to come and play love songs to entertain the attendees," Ellsworth said.

DaCapo has two locations. The first one opened 10 years ago and is at 7370 Lewis Ave. in Temperance. DaCapo Summerlyn is at 6620 Summerlyn Lakes Drive in Lambertville.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: AR artist Black uses Lambertville coffeehouse for AR lab