The Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford (SM&NC) is presenting “The Artistry of Jacques Pépin,” a retrospective of the celebrated chef and James Beard award-winner”™s artwork. The exhibition will feature more than 70 of his works of art from the past five decades.
The exhibition, opened to the public Nov. 19, will be on view through Jan. 30. An opening reception with the artist will take place Dec. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m., along with the annual SM&NC Holiday Artisan Market.
Melissa H. Mulrooney, CEO of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, said “Jacques”™ paintings are a natural extension of his legendary cooking and his passion for artistic expression is on full display in this show. What a feast.”
Pépin, known primarily for his pioneering French cooking, began painting over 50 years ago. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, Pépin has lived in Connecticut since 1975. His artistic journey began with hand-illustrated menus he created to celebrate mealtime gatherings with family and friends. He eventually expanded his practice into a creative exploration of animals, farm scenes, still-life and rural landscapes.
Pépin has said, “I don”™t know whether my painting has helped my cuisine or whether my cooking has helped my painting and I don”™t know if one borrows from the other. All I know is that, certainly for me, cooking and painting can live in harmony together. Both are different expressions of who I am and both enhance my life considerably.”
Pépin is an acclaimed chef who helped introduce generations of Americans to refined French cuisine through his PBS television series with Julia Child. The winner of 24 James Beard Foundation awards and the author of over 30 cookbooks, Pépin most recently won the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019.
Celebrating 85 years, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community and a focal point for family activity.
Pre-registration for the event is requested at stamfordmuseum.org/pepin. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays.
