Art exhibit explores love of food at Batavia library

Visitors have been entranced by the painted bulldog statues on the streets of Batavia this summer.

During the month of August, they will see a different side of one of the bulldog artists with an exhibit of Katie Drum's illustrations on display at the Batavia Public Library.

Her series of illustrations examines American food trends, cravings, and farmers market produce in its purest form through mixed media portraiture.

"People often ask me why I paint food. The honest answer is that I love how food connects people across a variety of cultures and I am curious about the emotional relationships we have with food," Drum wrote in her artist's statement for the exhibit that runs through the month of August in the library at 10 S. Batavia Ave.

After viewing this exhibit, visitors will understand why Drum chose her theme of food for the popular foster dog statue named "Foodie" that she painted as part of this year's "Bulldogs Unleashed" event.

"Foodie" is currently on display in the Chapters Café at the Batavia Public Library and will be raffled off on Sept. 15 at the "Bulldogs Unleashed" auction event.

When not creating artwork, Drum is an avid cook and gardener. She reports that she is happiest when covered in paint or mud. Her original mixed media illustrations and art pieces are inspired by her love of food and nature.

For information on Katie's illustrations, or to purchase prints and original paintings, see the artist's website at www.katiedrum.com.