Not all of Boston’s artistic talent is getting noticed in Newbury Street galleries and line-out-the-door music venues. Haven (1820 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, 617.929.0299), an art lounge and bistro that’s set to open Labor Day weekend, targets those who are still struggling to develop their skills, network, and make it in the big time. The brainchild of artist and Boston Arts Academy instructor Barrington Edwards, who was born and raised in the surrounding neighborhood, Haven features a revolving gallery that will host one or two openings a month; the inaugural exhibition will showcase work by Edwards and friends who got their start in graffiti art, comics, and animation. Live music, poetry, and spoken-word performances are also part of the equation, along with artist workshops and other community-outreach events. Haven’s kitchen will serve light, healthy fare — though one of its chefs is known for his out-of-this-world cheesecake — and, at press time, Edwards was also working to secure a beer-and-wine license. [Photo by Melissa Ostrow.]
