Art of the Palette pairs visual art with culinary creations in Kinston

The Community Council for the Arts will explore the connection between food and visual art during its free Art of the Palette event from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 at 400 N. Queen St.

The event, presented with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension and the Lenoir County Master Gardeners, coincides with new exhibitions at the arts council. Attendees can view artwork, meet artists and sample foods inspired by pieces in the galleries.

“It’s a build-on of our openings that are happening,” said Jeffrey Wiliford, director of the Community Council for the Arts. “We thought it would be great to partner with the Ag Extension office to showcase all the different ways food can become art as well.”

Wiliford said the galleries include food-related works and that the culinary presentations will draw inspiration from paintings. “To me, [the event is] to see the new art, but also meet the artists and hear the stories behind it,” he said.

Tammy Kelly of Lenoir County Cooperative Extension said the collaboration celebrates the artistry involved in preparing food.

“Creating a food presentation involves combining colors, shapes, textures and flavors,” Kelly said. “It will be an explosion of color and taste.”

The event also will include a vintage-style cakewalk, with $5 entries for a chance to win one of 20 cakes. Pianist Will Sawyer will provide music during the event and cakewalk.

For more information, contact the Community Council for the Arts at 252-527-2517 or Lenoir County Cooperative Extension at 252-527-2191.