Co-owners Terry Hurst and Ruby Chacon see the new shop at 631 West North Temple as providing a sense of community for the area's residents who they believe are often overlooked and underestimated.

The neighborhood, which was once considered risky by investors, and which, Hurst says, has "a particular cultural vibe," is lacking in amenities. "There hasn't been a place for a kid on the west side to get a book, get a cup of coffee, free wireless Internet, even buy a bike."

But when Mestizo, Spanish for "mixed," opened earlier this week, the rooms were full of supporters.

The coffee shop donated space to the nonprofit Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts (MICA), and Chacon, an artist, said she hopes the space will one day become the first art museum on Salt Lake City's west side.

Along with Hurst, who is her husband, Chacon is a poster child for what Mestizo hopes to create.

Both grew up on the west side, have a blend of Latino and Native American backgrounds and were the first in their families to graduate from high school and college.

"We want to teach people that they have the power to create their own images," Chacon said.

"I didn't even think I could go to college," Chacon said. "I didn't know the language of college and even though I was there, I didn't see myself graduating."

The pair met when Chacon was 20. She had their only son at age 21 and they married when she was 22.

"We call our son our hero," Chacon said of their 16-year-old son Orion Chacon Hurst. "Because of him, we decided to always live our dreams so we could show our son how to live his dreams."

She went on to receive a bachelor's degree in fine arts and he a bachelor's in English and a master's degree in film.

The couple tried once before to set up Mestizo in 2002, but it failed within a few months.

"We did it more out of passion than business," Chacon said. With the help of many silent partners, Chacon said Mestizo this time has been set up for success.

"We spent over a year researching the business plan," she said. "We don't expect to make any money back the first year."

Local and national artists are also pitching in the help Mestizo thrive.

Abstract painter David Maestas, 34, is among those exhibiting their work.

"Truly this is meant to be a place for the community to come and experience art," Maestas said. "We want people to be comfortable here. Art can be kind of intimidating if you've never been around it and for the community, it means a lot."

One neighborhood resident said she believes Mestizo will help unify the area.

"So many of us have that history behind us of the Indian and Hispanic culture and I think this is going to be able to connect us." said Angie Vorher, 65.

Elizabeth Miller can be reached at emiller@sltrib.com or 801-257-8741. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Mestizo coffee shop and art gallery

Where 631 W. North Temple, Suite 700, Salt Lake City.

Hours Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Information Call 801-596-0500 or visit www.mestizocoffee house.com.