PLAC offers kids cooking class series
Kids are going to get the chance to visit Down Under.
No need to hop on a plane to Australia, the Pearson Lakes Art Center is hosting a cooking class for kids that will give take their taste buds and their eyes an adventure.
From Plate to Palette is a series of classes that will offer kids a chance to cook dishes and study artists from other cultures. The class is aimed at kids ages 7-12.
The first class is set to take place from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, and will feature the country of Australia.
On the menu will be Australian individual meat pies which feature ground beef, cheese and veggies baked in a flaky crust.
While the meat pies bake the class will study aboriginal dot art and will get a chance to try the art form themselves.
The classes will be led by Cathie Critchett who cooks at the Monarch Art Cafe and works with local favorite Chef Susanne Bicknese.
Critchett is excited to be working with kids.
“When my kids were younger, I helped them with all of their activities and I loved helping with Boy Scouts and everything else,” Critchett said. “It’s just fun to work with kids so when Bob Kirschbaum approached me about offering kids cooking classes I was excited about the opportunity.”
In addition to sharing her passion for cooking with kids Critchett knew she also wanted to share her love for the visual arts as well.
She loves to cook but Critchett also studied visual arts at Albion College in Michigan.
“I really wanted to incorporate art into these classes because it is another way for the kids to learn about these cultures,” Critchett said. “For each class, we will get our hands on knowledge of the food of a culture by making a dish from that country and then we will study the work of an artist from that culture.”
November will feature the aboriginal art of Australia.
“I’ve always loved this style of work and thought it was just beautiful. I also love that all of the things they paint and the colors they use have a meaning behind them. Their art is very spiritual and I think that is amazing,” Critchett said.
Kids will get a chance to try their hand at the style of art. If they aren’t able to finish up their art work in class, they can finish it at home.
The rest of the classes will transport students around the world from France to Italy to Ireland and Spain.
No passport needed to give kids a hands on experience about another culture — just head to the Pearson Lakes Art Center to give your taste buds and eyes on a trip around the world with From Plate to Palette.