A fest of art and fine food

Press release
La Becasse Restaurant in Burdickville is presenting its first art exhibition, featuring two Grand Rapids artists, Tommy Allen and Michael Pfleghaar. The exhibition “Feast” celebrates work inspired by Michigan’s lakes and landscapes, as well as still life interiors. The intimate cottage-like setting of La Becasse and its menu of French country cuisine by Chef Guillaume Hazael-Massieux offer a perfect pairing of art and fine food. The exhibition explores and encourages the appreciation of our region and will remain on display through the fall.
Pfleghaar and Allen met Brooke and Guillaume Hazael-Massieux in Grand Rapids a few years ago at a mutual friend’s going away party. Brooke and Guillaume soon became good friends and fans of the artists’ work, while the artists became fans of Guillaume’s wonderful French cuisine. Tommy and Michael were saddened to see the couple move north to Glen Arbor shortly after their meeting. The four have kept in contact over the years and decided to collaborate on an art exhibit at the restaurant. This show is the result of years of planning.

Known for his colorful interior subjects, Pfleghaar has recently painting the Michigan landscape while vacationing through the state and visiting friends. These landscapes and interiors celebrate the vibrant colors, unique buildings and paths we make through nature. Pfleghaar also works in terra cotta clay. Last year one of his creations was awarded Best in Show for the statewide Fire and Mud Clay Competition, and his work was recently featured in American Craft Magazine. Pfleghaar received a BFA in Painting from Grand Valley State University in 1988 and exhibits throughout Michigan and in Palm Springs, Calif.
Allen, a graduate of Calvin College, has exhibited in galleries and juried shows throughout Michigan. From 1998-2008 his work appeared in eight New York City shows, and he was invited to exhibit at the international Angelus Novus museum show in Perugia, Italy. Allen’s recent photographic works include the quiet solitude of Michigan’s shoreline utilizing new photographic media techniques. Allen’s environmental artwork has earned him national recognition including an image created in Empire. Allen was recently appointed by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell to the city’s greening think tank project, Green Grand Rapids.
“Feast” is on display at La Becasse Restaurant until the fall. Call (231) 334-3944 or visit www.restaurantlabecasse.com for hours and more information.