Art of Food Fest kicks off summer fun with 'art you can eat' in Longmont

May 11—Firehouse Art Center will kick off its summer activities Saturday with The Art of Food Fest.

The free event — from 3-7 p.m. — promises cuisine, vendors, a chance to contribute to a community mural and plenty of new bites to savor.

"We used to have two large ArtWalk festivals, but due to the need for social distancing and large event cancellations, we shifted into offering smaller weekend festivals," said Elaine Waterman, executive director at Firehouse Art Center. "We realized that these smaller events really worked with our mission better. With more frequent events, we can connect more people to art and culture while supporting local creatives, both visual artists and musicians. Art of Food really just brings in the creativity of local food producers that turn local agriculture into art you can eat."

Under the food tent, attendees will find the aromatic and flavorful dishes from Rising Tiger, an Asian American eatery based out of Longmont's Times Collaborative, run by Devin "Tiger" Keopraphay.

"Since the event has a small footprint, we wanted to highlight a Longmont chef that uses local produce to create unique foods," Waterman said. "I love how Devin (Keopraphay) honors his Asian heritage, as well as what is harvesting right now to create a menu that is always changing and is always exciting."

Rising Tiger has crafted a special menu for the debut of the Art of Food Fest that includes mochi-crunch donuts, chicken satay plates, spring noodles, burgers and more.

"As far as what I can't get enough of," Waterman said, "I am Filipino, and even though Rising Tiger's food isn't traditional, I am still reminded of the food my grandmother would make for us when we were kids. You can really tell that they are passionate about food and put a lot of love into what they make, just like my Lola."

Slow Food Boulder County will be at the zero-waste event to educate the community about accessing, preparing and enjoying local, seasonal food.

From hot sauce purveyor Green Belly Foods to maker of distinct treats Audacious Truffles, there's guaranteed to be a variety of offerings sure to please every palate.

"I am definitely excited about this event coming up Saturday and everything that will be going on downtown," said Jennifer Ferguson, owner of Bricks Retail. "Bricks is a sponsor of this season's ArtWalk events, and we look forward to this kick-off festival and celebrating a topic near and dear to our hearts — local food."

Ferguson, also the founder of Wonder Tours, is looking to relaunch food tours soon where folks can board the bus and experience a progressive culinary experience at locations throughout the Front Range.

"The Bricks Booth will feature two vendors from the store that fit the theme," Ferguson said.

Visitors can look forward to a tasting with Longmont-based Traction Coffee's co-founder Mike Murfitt. Emma Mannino, an artist from Fort Collins will also be present. Her detailed prints that feature architectural depictions of coffee shops and breweries in Longmont are some of the bestsellers at Bricks.

The store will be open regular hours on Saturday, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., so Art of Food Fest attendees can swing by to see more of what Bricks has to offer.

"We hope folks will stop in to the store after visiting the booth and see all the local drinks, sweets, sauces and more that we have available every day in the freezer, fridge and on our shelves."

Bricks features over 100 Colorado-based companies, and Ferguson is frequently adding new products to the mix.

"Bricks is dedicated to making local gift-giving easier," Ferguson said. "Each month, we host a Taste of Bricks open house for folks to come sample food products from the store and meet the founders of these companies, so this event is right up our alley and was such a good fit."

Like all Firehouse events, this one is also strongly rooted in providing a platform for local talent and allowing attendees to express their own creative sides.

Mini canvases can be painted and taken home for $5 at the art tent in front of Firehouse.

"I can't wait to be back at our first outdoor festival," said artist Amanda Maldonado, who operates under the moniker Coy Ink. "I love the Firehouse and the creative community here, and I'm just so excited to see everyone again and support other local creatives."

Maldonado will be selling her mugs that she purchases second-hand and then transforms by hand painting. She will also have hand-painted flower pots and watercolor kits complete with brush, paint and five small prints for sale.

"The watercolors are from Boulder Colors, a local creator that makes pigments out of local food and plant waste," Maldonado said. "For my activity, I'll be handing out free coloring sheets and demoing how I paint my flower pots."

From adorning storefront windows with her detailed designs to creating pieces that highlight the wonder of Longmont's downtown, Maldonado draws inspiration from her surroundings.

"I've been following my heart and my heart leads me to Longmont," Maldonado said. "The community here is so vibrant, supportive and connected. I can go out any second Friday or Saturday and run into someone I know from the creative community. Everyone here has been so kind and encouraging, and this is the first place I really felt like I belonged somewhere. My latest work is about giving back that love and joy that I feel from my community."

Folks can participate in painting a chalk paint community mural. High school artists will be providing the outline of a landscape with flowers and mountains for folks to fill in.

"I want people to be able to come and just relax and enjoy," Waterman said. "This is just a mini festival to get the summer rolling. Just bring a lawn chair and listen to music, or get up and dance if you want to. Make some art if you want to. If you have kids, bring them to paint the chalk mural while you relax. Or if you want to paint as an adult, you are welcome to as well."

Waterman's idea for Art of Food Fest sprouted from previous collaborations with Boulder County Farmers Markets.

"Since 2021, the Firehouse Art Center has worked with the Boulder County Farmers Market to provide crafts for the Longmont and Boulder markets," Waterman said. "Each week we create a craft that relates to whatever is harvested locally, so that the kids can make a craft and then see that represented in the farmers booths at the market. It is a fun way to teach our children where our food comes from and how to honor the earth that provides for us."

Gregg Hansen will be leading drum circles from 4-7 p.m. Intermission, a band comprised of young Boulder musicians, will offer classic and alternative rock and pop covers from 3-4 p.m.

"It's just a no-stress, neighborhood block party with amazing artists sharing their skills and businesses giving you a taste of the yumminess they create," Waterman said.