Food sculptor James Parker says special tools aren't needed to create artful garnishes. "What's important is the variety of the colors of the vegetables," he says. He'll showcase his talents at Saturday's Palate 2 Palette fundraiser for the Craniofacial Foundation of America.
An example of James Parker's food-sculpting talents.IF YOU GO¦ What: Palate 2 Palette.¦ When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, April 26.¦ Where: Southside art galleries and other locations.¦ Admission: $75 patron, $150 VIP.¦ Website: www.p2pchattanooga.com.
Palate 2 Palette, an event that brings together the best of the city's visual, floral and culinary arts, is scheduled Saturday, April 26. The fundraiser supports the work of the Craniofacial Foundation of America. As is the custom, this seventh annual event will celebrate an array of arts in the historic Southside district.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the Gallery Stroll. Guests will amble among Southside galleries to view the featured fine art, culinary art and floral designs while meeting with artists and enjoying fine wine and cuisine.
In addition, the Youth Gallery will display outstanding artwork from area high school students. The theme for this year's Youth Gallery is "Steampunk Carnival." (A reception will be held 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 25, to preview the juried Youth Gallery exhibit before the Gallery Stroll. Tickets priced at $5 for adults, $2 for students will be available at the door.)
Each year, the Living Art Gallery is one of the most highly anticipated venues at Palate 2 Palette. This year's gallery, located at Niedlov's Breadworks, will feature James Parker, one of the most recognized artists in the fruit and vegetable sculpting industry. He is the current reigning champion of the fruit sculpture competitions on the Food Network's hit show "Challenge." He will join P2P to create "edible fashion."
The Debarge Winery will play backdrop for the 2014 Fashion Gallery. Local artist Lisa Norris will render a 3-D paper dress that will be on display, while Elizabeth Marek, a sugar-pulling artist from Portland, Ore., will create statement jewelry made entirely of sugar. Brenda Dellagicoma, of Brenda's Dream Cakes in New York, and Kim Simons, of Cakes by Kim Simons, will perform avant-garde face painting on live models.
The Foundation Gallery at Cobblestone Rue, which debuted last year, will return with artwork collaborations between local artists and CFA patients. Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in the Reasons To Smile auction.
Following the Gallery Stroll, guests are invited to the "Fire and Ice"-themed Bubbles & Sweets after-party at Track 29. Desserts and dancing will be accompanied by musical selections from Willie Kitchens and his band.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Craniofacial Foundation of America, a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Tennessee Craniofacial Center at Children's Hospital at Erlanger and Erlanger Health System. The TCC specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients of all ages with craniofacial deformities with services covering a broad range of operations and treatment from birth defects, tumors and trauma.
Patron tickets to the event are $75 per person and $150 for VIP. To purchase, visit www.p2pchattanooga.com.