DEMAREST—The Art School at Old Church (TASOC) will host its Second Annual Chili Bowl Festival on Sept. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., marking the start of the school’s fundraising efforts for the coming year. Attendees are invited to enjoy a hearty chili dinner and take home a unique, handcrafted bowl created by local artisans.
This year’s festival will feature a chili cook-off, adding a friendly competition to the mix, along with a raffle for a Sue Tirrell dinner plate. Each ticket includes a chili dinner and the opportunity to choose from over 200 handcrafted bowls. Tickets are $30 and go on sale Sept. 5. Art Patron sponsorships are also available for those looking to provide additional support.
Founded in 1974, TASOC is a non-profit cultural center dedicated to providing the community with enriching experiences in the arts. The school offers a wide range of art classes and workshops, free gallery exhibitions, cultural events, and outreach programs for special populations. TASOC is home to two art galleries: the Mikhail Zakin Gallery and the Café Gallery. The Annual Pottery Show & Sale, another highlight of the school’s calendar, provides an opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind works from nationally recognized potters.
Proceeds from both the Annual Pottery Show & Sale and the Chili Bowl Festival help sustain TASOC’s diverse initiatives, ensuring continued community access to the arts. The Art School’s programs are supported in part by a grant administered by the Bergen County Division of Historic & Cultural Affairs, funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, as well as contributions from foundations, corporations, businesses, and individuals.