Tables for two

Tables for two

Tables for Two is a pop-up event featuring a multi-course meal served to tables set for two. Each iteration of Tables for Two is unique, the first being on February 14th, 2013 held in the lobby of the Alfred University art building. The following four iterations of Tables for Two were hosted in personal homes to varying degrees of complexity.

The first iteration of Tables for Two has served as the precedence to my entire socially engaged art practice, with a particular emphasis on all the work I do using food and gathering around it, as a medium. Between the iterations I’ve served communities in four states, two countries, in public and private spaces, and courses have ranged from surf, turf, and garden grown. The project remains my most frequently reproduced artwork to date, and promises future iterations as time goes on. If you’re looking for something fun to do on Valentines day or for any other time with single, or multiple, table settings for two, book me a flight and you’ve got a personal chef ready, willing, and able!

Table for Two + One

Table for Two + One was done in Hamburg Germany in the home of my cousins Fabio and Anja with their 1 year old son Vincent. The meal featured four courses for the pallets of adults and a child who eats primarily with their hands. Something I learned from my work especially the Emma and Ray iteration of Tables for Two is that one of the most interesting audiences for a lavish four course meal is folks who don’t normally have access to this experience. Which, is almost all parents, especially to enjoy with their young ones in tandem. Later during my trip Fabio and Anja served a lavish meal for their wedding, but during the event they were entertaining as much if not more than enjoying the experience. At Table for Two + One Fabio and Anja got to enjoy their meal with Vincent as uninterrupted family time which continues to be a specific goal of my creative practice.

Tables for Two Alfred

Tables for Two Alfred was facilitated in collaboration with Sierra Sparks, Stephanie Joan Arthur (Giera), Elizabeth Cote, Sam Sloan-Wiechert, Erin Hall, Jessie Simmons, Kait Boccardo. Primary collaborator Sierra Sparks and I were excited to leverage our love of food and access to a wealth-spring of local agricultural splendor, with dishes featuring product from some of our favorite community produce and grocery vendors.

Photo Credit - Devin Henry

Tables for Two Austin

The most casual iteration of Tables for Two is the fourth happening in friends Phil and Ziggy’s Austin home later in 2018. The meal was only two courses, tofu tikka masala and a scoop of ice cream topped off with a bit of on the fly fruit compote. Also the least laborious iteration, Tables for Two Austin was an example of how the format can occur within a wide range between extravagant and highly produced or humble and nourishing. However every iteration of Tables for Two remains a memorable event for those who enjoyed an intimate meal with their friend, partner, or loved one.

Tables for Two, Emma and Ray

Tables for Two, Emma and Ray, happened on Valentines Day Belated in 2018 and produced a bit of a revelation in my artist practice involving food. The event occurred in the home of Emma and Ray Colburn, elucidating the rich context of the social realities surrounding the meal. I prepared a four course vegan meal that would leave mom feeling like her family was being nourished in accordance with their dietary needs and desires while simultaneously pleasing the eyes and palette of a 5 year old. While I thought the panache was in the dinosaur shaped pasta and cookie cut tofu, it was really in the holding of space for a mother to truly enjoy an evening with her son unburdened by the labor of preparing dinner. Bath time, a full belly, and a story before bed, oh what a night!

Tables for Two Florida

The second iteration of Tables for Two occurred in the home of Amy Lovett and John Messer in Inverness Florida on February 14th, 2015. Reservations were taken in advance of the event and people arrived the evening of during their reservation time. The dinner menu consisted of four courses featuring fare sourced from local vendors.

The event was co-facilitated with Amy, John, their children Madison, Riley, Blakely, Turner, Stephanie Joan Arthur (Giera), and the members of the larger Hernando County Community.