Free Chocolate Exhibit Opening

Update: more pics and info on my December 8th SFist post. Also, check out my SFist colleague Derrick's post on this at his blog, An Obsession with Food.
 

Chocolate has its politics, too. So says one artist. I checked out an exhibition by April Banks last night, and learned more about the global economy that feeds our chocolate demands. Banks seems to offer explanations on why chocolate is a luxury item that is produced and farmed by some of the poorest countries in the world. Some of her glossy images had a creepier side to them, and there were photos, sculptures, and graphic design to take in. She also had two ladies passing out chocolates, wearing t-shirts that said "Free Chocolate" and were available for $25 a pop.

Upcoming related events for this exhibition will be a (free) conversation with Banks on Saturday January 27, at 1 p.m. There's also a (free) Fair Trade & Chocolate discussion on Wednesday February 7, at 7 p.m. with Tex Dworkin (Global Exchange), Ella Silverman (TransFair USA) and Tom Neuhaus (Project Hope & Fairness, Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates). I may go to the Thursday February 8, at 7 p.m. Heart Shaped Box Truffle Making Workshop, that is $5 to $20 sliding scale.

Comments

[Carter]

Hi Mary, Thanks for the heads up about the exhibit. I need an excuse to drive up to the Mission and I think this will motivate me.

I posted a link to this post in my weekly blog roundup at

http://www.foodnotebook.com/blog/2006/12/new_media_roundup_120806_grant.html

Cheers!

[Mary]

Carter, I hope you do check it out. It's fascinating stuff. Let me know what you think.