The Effect of Food and Drink on Participation & Appreciation of Art Events
Author: Mary Frances Allen
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Carla Bluhm
Abstract:
The objective of the project was to observe interactions between food, art appreciation and public participation in art-related events. I provided food and beverage service at three art events. The first event was Clay and Chardonnay at Glynn Art Association. It was a pottery sale of works from local artists, with wine and party-style foods available for potential patrons. The second service day was an event at Art Downtown’s SoGlo Gallery in Brunswick for the opening of a sculptural exhibition by Jim Jones. The third event was the Brunswick Actor’s Theater’s opening of the play Skin Deep by Jon Lonoff. As I served at each event, I observed patrons to ascertain which food and drink selections were more popular, whether they seemed to enhance the overall experience, and how the offerings affected the conversation. These findings were used to formulate suggestions on how to involve more non-traditional patrons and young people in art related events.
