Chili for art at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond provides all sorts of opportunities for Richmonders of all ages to find or refine their creative outlet. In order to continue to do that a little extra cash need to flow their way. The deal is this, you give a little and you’ll come away with a cool handmade bowl and a belly warmed by both chili and the knowledge that the arts will go on

Details from the Visual Arts Center of Richmond

The Art Junction Chili Throwdown takes place each fall and benefits the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s clay studio. This year’s event is on Friday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. and features the chili of 25 participating restaurants and bluegrass music by South Hill Banks.

Last year, more than 500 people attended the indoor/outdoor event. Tickets are $20 for VisArts members and $25 for the general public. Kids under age 12 eat for $5 and kids under age 3 eat free. Adult admission includes a handmade ceramic bowl—made by a VisArts clay artist—and a drink ticket. Additional ceramic bowls will be available for purchase.

Participating restaurants contribute their best chili, which is taste-tested by both a blind jury and the event’s attendees. After guests have voted, they’re welcome to go back for a full bowl of their favorite chili. At the end of the evening, VisArts presents two restaurants with awards—an overall award, selected by the judges, and a people’s choice award.

The Art Junction Chili Throwdown is hosted by VisArts’ young professionals group, the Visual Arts Creative Ambassadors.

Having attended this event before my advice is don’t arrive fashionably late because you’ll find that chili that you wanted to try is nothing but an empty container of crushed chili dreams.