Jacques Pépin has received international acclaim for his culinary artistry, but his work on canvas will be celebrated by the Providence Art Club (PAC).

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 Art Club’s series of events 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 12.

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.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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