Alchemy in the Community

What did Alchemy Artists Residency — an Ontario-based international artist-run residency founded in 2015 — committed to community engagement through the sharing of art and food do when neither gathering nor sharing space is an option?

Beginning In the 2020 Harvest Season and contining into 2023,  with the inability to offer traditional programming due to COVID 19, Alchemy artists and coordinators Claire Tallarico and Tonia Di Risio created a twice-weekly respite for 40 Hillier farm and vineyard workers, mostly from outside of Canada, from having to shop, prepare their food, and clean up after a long day in the fields.These 3000 plus meals were made and shared  in appreciation for hard work during a stressful Harvest Season.  Claire led the Kitchen Brigade of artists, cooks and community volunteers who made these meals. 

Table Settings is designed as a small contribution to the well-being of vineyard and farm workers in uncertain times.  The project contributes to the local economy as all produce and protein for Table Settings is purchased from small local farmer, growers and makers. Meals were prepared in a generously donated kitchen at Closson Chase Vineyards and in the historic Hillier Hall.  

The Storehouse Food Bank, with financial support  from the Prince Edward County Foundation, was  the charitable partner and community advisor for this project. 

As part of their respective artistic practices, Claire  and Tonia  are both intent on the growing, making, preserving, and sharing of food. They believe in the positive social impact that the sharing of food can have on individuals and communities. Together and individually, these artists and others cook, document and share how Table Settings contributes to their respective creative practices. 

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