Event: A Feast for the Senses

Cuisine des Artistes 2010

Presenting a literal feast for all five senses, the District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC) hosts a smorgasbord of artistic endeavors on Thursday, May 13 at the historic Meridian House from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. In a rare union of the visual, theatrical and gastronomic, DCAC’s bi-annual gala fundraiser, Cuisine des Artistes, invites artists and chefs to collaborate on the creation of a veritable museum of edible art.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour in the Linden Grove garden patio , featuring passed hors d’oeuvres created by the artists and punctuated by eclectic entertainment, including poetry readings, music and performances. The presentation of the main course delicacies follows the appetizer course and cocktail hour. Born of the unique artist/chef collaboration, the entrees make this event a true multidisciplinary phenomenon. Guests at past Cuisine des Artistes galas have relished tapas served from the front end of a 1950s hot rod, barbecue surrounded by swinging cauldrons of fire, and cakes with Pollock-esque chocolate drip art, as well as stunning food displays including lights, mosaics, living greenery and other ingenious and sometimes outrageous installations.

Past collaborations included artist Anita Walsh with Sam Adkins from Jackie’s Restaurant, Byron Peck with Gustavo Haupella from Rumba Café, Bridget Sue Lambert with Josh Whigham of Café Atlantico, and Trish Tillman with Antonio Burrell of Viridian.

This special evening also provides an opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of a local arts leader. During the celebration, Don Russell, Director of Provisions Library, will be presented with the 2nd bi-annual Herb White Award. This award was established in 2008 to recognize an individual who has contributed to the arts community in Washington without public acclaim or fanfare. The inaugural 2008 award was presented to Mary Swift, founder and managing editor for 25 years of the now defunct Washington Review. Continuing a tradition begun in 2008, local artist John Dreyfuss will design the award.

DCAC is a 20-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting budding artists in the Washington, D.C. area.  DCAC’s 750 square foot gallery and 50 seat theater provide a professional venue for visual and theatre artists.  They also provide a structured program through which artists in all media can practice both the craft and the business of art.  Today, the arts center is one of the only grassroots organizations available to artists looking to break into the mainstream.  Just as artists have come to depend on DCAC’s support, so too has the community come to associate DCAC with outstanding and original artistic expression.

Cuisine des Artistes will be held on Thursday, May 13 at the Meridian House from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.dcartscenter.org.