Square Peg Events LLC announces the Artful Dining Series, a sequence of art-enhanced evenings combining food, art, and ambience inspired by the work of some of the great art masters and the periods and cultures from whence they hailed. Following a successful run of Artful Dining evenings on the Lakeshore, this series of uniquely immersive events now comes to Grand Rapids.
“The essence of the Artful Dining experience is to surround yourself in art, great food and drinks, and fun people … to get into the groove of the artist,” said Cynthia Hagedorn, executive director of Square Peg Events. “For each Artful Dining experience, we’re pairing a unique Grand Rapids eatery with a master artist. You’ll be immersed into the region, era, and life of that artist. The ambience, the music, food, and drink will take you into his world. You’ll learn about the artist and the art itself, and create your own inspired masterpieces in response to the experience.”
The first experience—on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14—is Kissing with Klimt, at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Avenue NW, at 6 p.m. The evening centers on Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt (1862—1918), noted for his gold-paintings, murals, and sketches, typified by his seminal painting, “The Kiss” (1907-08).
“We’ll have six wines from Klimt’s world for tasting, with unique food pairings,” said Rimple Nayyar, owner of Bar Divani. “This isn’t like a typical Valentine’s dinner. There are a lot of people out there who want to experience something that’s new and different. This experience will allow them to learn something along the way of wine, food, and art, while enjoying this open atmosphere in the gallery."
“It’s like you’re sitting in Klimt’s studio, sipping the wine, eating the food, and watching him create, but you get to be the one creating,” Hagedorn said. “We’ll have a community canvas where people will be able to paint. Among the colors, we’ll have gold paint like Klimt used to paint ‘The Kiss.’ People who don’t have any background or even a strong interest in art shouldn’t feel intimidated, though. I’ve been doing these experiences for five years now, and someone always says, ‘I was dragged into this,’ and at the end of the night, that’s the guy saying, ‘Can I have the paint brush back?’ This is a social and a mixer—a welcoming environment for singles as well as couples. It can be a fun date night, maybe a first date, a girls’ night out, whatever.”
Next in the series is Martinis with the Masters, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at The Bistro at Courtyard by Marriott, 235 Louis Street NW. The event will feature signature and original martinis with dessert pairings. In addition, Courtyard is offering a twenty percent discount for participants who want to come in and have dinner prior to the event.
“This one will be a little bit off the path. You’ll be the master of your own canvas,” Hagedorn said. “First, you’ll experience one of The Bistro’s unique martinis based on different artistic masters, like ‘Picasso’s Blue,’ ‘Pollock’s Impulse’ or ‘Monet’s Impression.’ Then, you’ll do a chalk panting, and create something on your martini glass with acrylic paints. After that, you’ll go to the bartender and make your own martini based on your own master work. All while enjoying great dessert pairings and socializing with fun people.”
Future installments of the Artful Dining Series will include Pollock's Painting Party and Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, both in June; Pollock’s Painting Party in July; Grant’s Groovin’ with the Arts in August; Screaming Art, Food & Goolish Drinks with Edvard Munch in October; and Picasso’s Perfect Party in November.
A limited number of tickets are available for each Artful Dining experience. Tickets for Kissing with Klimt are $65 each, and are available until February 9. Tickets for Martinis with the Masters are $40 each. Tickets must be purchased online at www.squarepegevents.com. Advance sales only—no door sales available. Groups welcome. Casual attire is appropriate. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are nonrefundable. For more information, contact Square Peg Events at 616-510-3599, email [email protected] or visit www.squarepegevents.com.
Source: Square Peg Events
