Art & Bodega by Curious Publishing (A&B) was a 48 square foot micro convenience store located at the artist kiosks inside the Claremont Packing House Atrium at 532 West First Street. The A&B opened at the end of October 2022 and was the first ever physical space operated by Curious Publishing. This conceptual creative space offered up small-run art books, zines, newspapers and art objects from local writers and artists as well as unique snacks and beverages hand selected by our team for their unique packaging and brand ethos. At the A&B you would often find waitstaff of Downtown Claremont grabbing a quick snack, or small groups of East LA and Foothill Community based artists sharing resources and open calls.

An addition to the A&B was the Little Free Zine Library where we welcomed the community to indulge in many printed ephemera independently published and printed by Curious Publishing and their affiliated artist community. Anyone could participate by taking a zine or leaving a zine for the next visitor to discover.

Art & Bodega has hosted poetry readings and 4 book releases which has welcomed over 500 new art enthusiasts to Downtown Claremont. Art & Bodega hosted the Packing House Zine Fest inside the Claremont Packing House Atrium which brought 30 zine and print makers, 3 workshops and 2 artist talks on April 22, 2023 from 12 PM - 5 PM. Among the participating businesses hosting events that day were Studio Claremont, and The Claremont Forum. The Packing House Zine Fest featured artist exhibitors whose practice emphasizes the art of print in formats such as zines, art books, risograph, screen printing, block printing, and cyanotype. This event was free and open to the public.