The art of Jacques Pépin feeds the soul. How you can see it in Providence

Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal
·2 min read
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Jacques Pépin isn't just a legendary chef, he is an accomplished artist. His work appears in his cookbooks, adorns kitchen items at Sur La Table and is for sale on his Artistry website.

His work on canvas will be on exhibit at the Providence Art Club from April 19 through May 12. A selection of original paintings by Pépin will be on view in the Founders Room for this rare pop-up exhibition.

The Art Club galleries at 11 Thomas St. in Providence are open to the public, free from Sunday to Friday from noon to 4 p.m. The last Thursday of each month, the Art Club is open to the public for "Thirsty Thursday," and that is April 25 for the Pépin show.

Jacques Pépin's art will be on display at the Providence Art Club from April 19 through May 12.
Jacques Pépin's art will be on display at the Providence Art Club from April 19 through May 12.

A VIP Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, 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. Pricing details for each event may be found at providenceartclub.org.

Proceeds from the events will go to support the work of the Jacques Pépin Foundation as well as to the Providence Art Club’s Biennial College Exhibition.

"Three Chickens of Bresse" is a 2021 Jacques Pépin painting.
"Three Chickens of Bresse" is a 2021 Jacques Pépin painting.

“We all recognize Jacques Pépin as a world-famous culinary chef and educator," said Club President Shawn Kenney in a news release. "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.

“It’s never too late to nourish and foster our passions, at the easel – or in the kitchen,” he said.

The Providence Art Club isn't Pépin's only stop in Providence next week.

The art of Jacques Pépin is featured in his cookbooks, including his most recent one, "Cooking My Way" (Harvest, 2023).
The art of Jacques Pépin is featured in his cookbooks, including his most recent one, "Cooking My Way" (Harvest, 2023).

He is a keynote speaker when Johnson & Wales University’s College of Food Innovation & Technology hosts its fourth-annual Food Innovation & Technology Symposium on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 in Providence. It will focus on innovations in food service, product development, food security and access and sustainability. The event is open to the public with an all-access pass at $250. Those interested can register online at 2024 JWU CFIT Fit Symposium - JWU Alumni.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: See art of Jacques Pépin at Providence Art Club as it feeds the soul