Published in the February 23, 2018 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Local Eats Week, a 10 day website and social media campaign celebrating food, art, community, and conversation is coming to Wakefield March 1 through 11. To kick things off, local artists and restaureteurs are cooking up a three-day interactive experience in downtown Wakefield, with a heaping spoonful of culinary creativity in the spotlight.

From March 1 through 3, community members are invited to participate in Art & Edibles, an exhibition that’s inspired by, and created from, our community’s love of food. The event is presented by the Arts Collaborative of Wakefield and hosted at the Albion Cultural Exchange (ACE) Center at 9 Albion Street in Wakefield and will feature a gallery of food-inspired artwork and tasty demonstrations led by local eateries, small businesses, and local residents.

Thanks to the combined creativity of Wakefield Arts Collaborative, here’s what’s on the three-course menu for Arts & Edibles attendees:

First course: Thursday, March 1 (6 to 8 p.m.) – The fun begins with a bountiful display from local artists and savory demonstrations from Wakefield’s own Maya Indian Bar & Grill and ZuZu’s Cafe & Catering. Is anyone bringing wine? Why, yes. Holiday Travel of Wakefield will host a wine tasting to send your taste buds on vacation—adults only. Meanwhile, ZuZu’s will also provide small bites sponsored by The Savings Bank. And for dog lovers who’d like to infuse creativity in their canines’ cuisine, local business Gone to The Dogs will host a raw dog food demo. The kick-off night of Art & Edibles is part of the “First Thursdays in Downtown Wakefield” event series.

Second Course: Friday, March 2 (6 to 8 p.m.) – Pucker up, grown-ups: Friday night begins with a homemade lemon liquor demo from community member Paul DiNocco and his world famous “Limoncello and Cello” recipe. This is a must see/must taste if you haven’t partaken before. The evening will continue with another wine tasting from our friends at Holiday Travel of Wakefield. Meanwhile, attendees can meet, greet, and sample tasty artisan wares from local bakery The Bread Shop.

Third Course: Saturday, March 3 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – Saturday’s event includes sweetness, selfies, and superb works of art. Arts & Edibles attendees can experience a yummy smoothie-making demo by Marissa Szabo and a jelly-making demo by Brian Gallivan. Meanwhile, Create Artisan Studio and Fringe on Main will host an art- and food-inspired photo booth, so attendees can capture their fun on screen. Throughout the day, community members can come by the ACE Center to enjoy awesome, one-of-a-kind pieces of art by members of the Arts Collaborative of Wakefield.

“Eat, drink, and be creative: that’s what Art & Edibles is all about. Food and art can serve as universal languages that bring people together from all walks of life,” said Art & Edibles event co-founder and Create Artisan Studios owner Andrea Willey. “If our event can do that, while bringing smiles to community members’ faces, we’ll know we’ve cooked up something amazing.”

“We’re excited to celebrate our town’s culinary works of art in a one-of-a-kind exhibition that’s sure to spark community members’ imaginations,” said Albion Cultural Exchange Committee Chairman Christopher J. Carino. “From a chef testing out new recipes to an artist trying out new mediums, everyone can be an artist, and ACE is proud be a creative hub for their works,” he continued.

“Wakefield is home to a wonderful array of restaurants, small businesses, and community members whose artistic visions and unique creations make our town exceptional,” said Town Administrator Steve Maio. “Art & Edibles is a testament to how great things happen when a town’s creative economy takes on a character of its own and grows to include all types of art.”

Art & Edibles is a free event open to the public. Bring your friends and family to enjoy all the wonderful activities.

About the Albion Cultural Exchange

With a mission to promote art, culture andc ommerce in downtown Wakefield, the Albion Cultural Exchange (ACE) offers live music, art education and open studio gallery events.  ACE is located in the heart of downtown Wakefield at 9 Albion Street, and our main floor gallery is open for various art and cultural events. If you would like to partner with us on any of our programs such as First Thursday’s Downtown, please e-mail us at albionculturalexchange@gmail.com.