ART! Culinary legend Jacques Pépin to share his paintings, discuss career at Providence Art Club

Culinary Jacques Pepin to share paintings, discuss career at Providence Art Club Dinner to Feature Renown Local Chefs Sukle and Speidel

Photo: Jacques Pepin Art, with permission from the artist

Jacques Pépin has received international acclaim for his culinary artistry but it is his work on canvas that will be celebrated by the Providence Art Club. The Club is hosting a pop-up exhibition event with Pépin on April 19 and 20. The collaboration will include a VIP Opening Reception on April 19 from 6-8 p.m., followed by a four-course Chef’s Dinner on April 20 at 6 p.m. featuring Chefs Ben Sukle of Gift Horse and Champe Speidel of Persimmon.  While these events take place, a selection of original paintings by Jacques will be on view in the Founders Room at the Art Club in a rare and special pop-up exhibition.

“We all recognize Jacques Pepin as a world-famous culinary chef and educator. But after decades of painting for pleasure, he has developed his own style and, at 88, still paints daily. And that’s the connection that has brought about PAC’s association with Jacques and the Foundation,” said Club President Shawn Kenney. “It’s never too late to nourish and foster our passions, at the easel – or in the kitchen.”

A staple on the culinary scene for decades, Jacques Pépin is the author of more than 30 cookbooks and his PBS series with Julia Child earned a Daytime Emmy Award. He is also the recipient of numerous accolades, including multiple James Beard Awards, an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Légion d’Honneur. Alongside his achievements as a chef, author, broadcaster, and teacher, Pépin has maintained a longtime interest in the visual arts and is a passionate painter.

His work was the subject of a solo exhibition at the Guilford Connecticut Art Center in 2019 and proceeds from his work go to benefit the Jacques Pépin Foundation, which supports free culinary training for youth.

The series of events at the Art Club will include opportunities for guests to meet Jacques and learn more about his life, work, and art. The events are open to the public and pricing details for each event may be found at www.providenceartclub.org. The exhibit of his work is free and open through May 12th. Proceeds from these events will go to support the work of the Jacques Pépin Foundation as well as to the Providence Art Club’s Biennial College Exhibition.

About the Providence Art Club:

Founded in 1880 to stimulate the appreciation of art in the community, the Club has long been a place for artists and art patrons to congregate, create, display and circulate works of art. Located along Thomas Street, in the shadow of the First Baptist Church, the Providence Art Club is a picturesque procession of historic houses, home to studios, galleries and the clubhouse.

Through its public programs, its art instruction classes for members and its active exhibition schedule, the Providence Art Club continues a tradition of sponsoring and supporting the visual arts in Providence and throughout Rhode Island.

About the Jacques Pépin Foundation:

The JPF supports community kitchens that offer free life skills and culinary training to adults with high barriers to employment, including previous incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse issues, low skill and education attainment and lack of work history.