Art Meets Appetite at Herberger Theater Center
Writer Shannon Severson
The bumpy rind of an orange, the glistening ruby-red arils of a pomegranate, the steam rising from a cup of coffee … these everyday items take on a magical quality when rendered by the talented eyes and hands of artists. This October, the Herberger Theater Center will host an art exhibit celebrating food and all things food-related in its second-floor gallery.
Food is something we encounter daily, but here, it is elevated to new heights by 36 Arizona artists who were selected by a blind jury led by art gallery curators Connie and Archie Tucker.
“Food is a necessity for survival, integral to our communities, vital to staying alive, relationships, cultures, languages and enjoying life,” Connie Tucker explains. “Food defines us — we are what we eat. Humans have been creating images and memories of food for centuries, from still lifes to social media food photos.”
According to Laurene Austin, the director of development and marketing for the Herberger Theater Center, close to 200 submissions were received, many from first-time hopefuls.
Citrus Synchronicity
Painter Amanda Atrostic, who has participated in Herberger exhibitions since 2021, submitted “Desert Still Life With Scorpion,” a piece in the style of the Old Masters. A bark scorpion peeks out from beneath a trio of grapefruit, orange and pomegranate, inspired by the scorpions drawn to the citrus trees in her own backyard.
“Sometimes I have art to submit,” she says. “[Other times] it gives you an idea to think on a different topic. Still life paintings allow [the artist] to have better control of lighting and color.”
An accomplished graduate of Arizona State University’s fine arts program, Atrostic finds inspiration in nature and her surroundings. She has found the Herberger exhibits to be an excellent opportunity and praises the welcoming environment.
“You don’t have to be classically educated,” Atrostic shares. “[The judges] aren’t necessarily looking for refined technique. They’re very welcoming to any medium and willing to help when they can — giving suggestions for what you’re doing well. As an Arizona artist, to be able to apply is a great launching pad.”
From Galley to Gallery
While Atrostic brings a painter’s eye to the world of food, another artist in the exhibit approaches the subject from a different angle.
Photographer Leonard Longo brings a unique perspective from his long career in the food industry. Now a culinary support supervisor at Sun City’s Royal Oaks retirement community, the New England native’s entry, “Aladdin’s Coffee,” will be his second appearance at the Herberger gallery. The photo depicts a creation of Executive Chef Francelle Mata and has the whole community buzzing with pride.
“I can’t say how excited it made me,” Longo says. “To go back to my past, it’s at least as good as the first time as a culinary chef to enter a food contest and be one of the top three. There’s nothing like that satisfaction in the world. It’s earned, never given.”
Longo likens the learning curve of photography to his lifetime career as an executive chef. “You learn the basics, experiment and hone your technique, and get around people who are better than you,” he points out. “You begin to go out on your own; it’s all about technique and repetition.”
A Feast for the Senses
Austin notes that the art on display at the gallery is always for sale, with 30% of the proceeds serving as a tax-deductible donation toward Herberger Theater’s youth education program. This arrangement not only supports local artists but also contributes to nurturing future generations of creative talent.
As you savor the visual feast presented in this exhibit, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the artistry of food and the talent of Arizona’s local artists. From Atrostic’s classical still life with a desert twist to Longo’s photographic capture of culinary creations, the exhibit offers a diverse palate of perspectives on our daily sustenance.
This unique showcase not only celebrates the intersection of food and art but also supports local creativity and youth education. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie or simply curious about seeing familiar items in a new light, this exhibit promises to be a treat for all the senses.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how Arizona artists transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning our daily bread into a feast for the eyes. The Herberger Theater Center’s food-themed exhibit invites you to look at your next meal with fresh eyes and a newfound appreciation for the artistry in every bite.
Herberger Theater Center Food Exhibit
Oct. 3–27 // Monday–Sunday noon–4:30 p.m. // Herberger Theater Center // 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix // Free // herbergertheater.org
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