Butler to celebrate 175th anniversary with edible art

PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island restaurateur and nationally acclaimed modern artist are planning to work together to create an edible work of art to commemorate Butler Hospital’s 175th anniversary.

Masterpiece of Hope II will celebrate Butler’s role as Rhode Island and southeastern New England’s only private nonprofit psychiatric and substance abuse hospital for adults.

The event is set to feature “a unique display of edible artistry” made by Anthony Tarro, chef and co-founder of Siena restaurants, and well-known modern artist Paul Cote.

“Through the layering of flavors with various sauces, Paul will evoke emotions and create a visual explosion of color palettes to mirror a work of modern art,” the hospital said.

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The sauces will be paired with desserts prepared by Siena.

The event doubles as a fundraiser for Butler’s Senior Specialty Program, which offers treatment for memory disorders, depression, anxiety and other conditions for patients over 65.

The Providence Art Club will host the event on May 8. A VIP reception is scheduled from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by a speaking program from 7:15-7:45 p.m. and sampling of the edible artistry from 7:45-8:15 p.m.

Butler, founded in 1844, is the major affiliated teaching hospital for psychiatry and behavioral health at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.