Witter Gallery is putting out a final call for cooks as it prepares for its Art‑Bee‑Que Cook Off next Saturday — a community fundraiser blending barbecue, live art and local entertainment at the Chautauqua Shelter House in Storm Lake.
The event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 5 p.m., with taste testing at 5:30. Wittery Gallery staff say they’re still looking for chefs to fill out the grill competition roster.
This year’s challenge comes with a twist: every dish must incorporate honey supplied by Harley’s Honey of Storm Lake. Valentina’s Meat Market is donating the meat for the grills, and interested cooks can register by contacting Patricia Hampton at 712‑732‑9272 or Julie Steinfeld at 712‑299‑3216.
Alongside the food competition, five local artists — Susan Briggs, Jack Huss, April Mason, Luis Guzman Montano and Amanda Price — will create original works live during the event. Those pieces will be auctioned off later in the evening, with additional donated artwork featured in a silent auction. Donors include Esther Barahona, Matt Doeble, Eduardo Garcia, Karen Hixon, Brooke Petersen, Cindy Roth and Nikki Seaton.
Guests will also hear live music throughout the night from Ball N’ Chain and The LugNuts.
Taste testers will vote for their favorite entries, with awards for first, second and third place announced at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and limited, with proceeds supporting Witter Gallery’s annual operating expenses, educational programming, exhibits and community art projects.
Witter Gallery, located inside the Storm Lake Public Library, says the fundraiser helps sustain its mission of promoting and preserving fine arts in the community.
