As the sun began to set on a truly beautiful first day of Spring, the sound of laughter and warm conversation bubbled up from the cozy interior of Thrive Café. Inside, a crowd of smartly dressed folks made introductions and new friends while sampling Mallory’s Clutch Cocktail concoction and Erin’s irresistible vegan cupcakes. Amidst friendly familiar faces, we could not have found a better place to celebrate the beginning of the Clutch MOV community.

Sponsored by the talented Liv Hefner, our “Cocktails & Conversations” launch event was our way to introduce the Clutch Staff to all of you and to let you know what we are all about. This project initially began over a year ago as a “someday I’d like to…” that quickly escalated to a “let’s do this!” As we brainstormed away, the project gained momentum, a name, and an identity. We started to define ourself always with one goal in mind — to celebrate culture, community and creativity right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

We also wanted to use this event as an opportunity to thank absolutely everyone involved. This is truly a collaborative project that is only as good as its contributors, and we are fortunate to have the most amazing staff of contributing authors, editors, and our own staff photographer (who spent the evening snapping these lovely pictures!) None of this would be possible without their help and the incredible support we have received from the community — affirmation that this is something worth pursuing.

Throughout the evening, guests mingled against the perfect backdrop of Bobby & Sara’s  artwork displayed on the exposed brick walls. After the staff presented our mission and fielded questions, we asked everyone to sign a poster finishing the sentence “Clutch MOV is…” We also asked everyone to fill out a “Best Of the Mid-Ohio Valley” survey (also available right here), and we’ll be sure to share those results in the near future.

The first day of spring, harbinger of growth and rejuvenation — what better way to celebrate the beginning of this creative collaboration with our friends and partners?

For more photos from the event, visit our facebook page

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