Visiting Arthur was never just about dropping off or picking up a pair of shoes. 

For years, I've had the pleasure of getting to know Arthur, a talented Armenian cobbler and pianist in Davis Square, Somerville. Once inside his shop, you leave behind the frenzied pace of the modern city and slow down to a mound of old world hospitality and philosophizing about the meaning of life. Never have I seen a room filled with machines and tools transformed into such a warm and inviting place. 

The moment I'd walk in the door, Arthur would greet me with a welcoming nod and gesture motioning for me to jump behind the counter and join him for his famous Turkish coffee. Our visits were filled with discussions about life, philosophy, music and art and rarely did he talk about politics or his life back in Armenia. 

Arthur loved the idea of collaborating on this photo project, and he proudly displays his favorite shot from the collection in the entrance to his shop. He would often say, "People, they ask me, who make this picture? I tell them. My friend Christine." 

Visiting Arthur has never been about just dropping off or picking up a pair of shoes.