Calgary Creative Arts and Culinary Foundation
Sponsored by
The Calgary Creative Arts and Culinary Foundation1 is a collective of local business owners with a common goal, to provide financial aid and mentorship opportunities to Calgary’s culinary and art students.
In June of 2012 the group comprised of Stephen Wade and Bryan Wong of F2 Furnishings, Michele Aurigemma and Marcello Belvedere of Q Haute cuisine, local artist Monika Jensen, and business consultant David Howse began meeting to find the best way to help students in Calgary’s arts and culinary programs.
Fundraising will be a major part of the foundation’s mandate and will be supported with the foundation’s kick-off gala event, A Night of Food & Art held at Q Haute cuisine October 17, 2012.
“this is a momentous financial and emotional lift for creative and culinary arts in Calgary,” says Sean Thornhill a current employee at Q Haute Cuisine. “Developing this partnership as well as the charity gala [October 17, 2012] not only provides us with an opportunity to showcase our skills and build new relationships in the community and with their colleagues, but to reduce some of the financial burden of practice.”
” An opportunity for funding like this gives students a chance to really excel and definately gives a student a positive outlook that after graduation there are people who are there to support them in their future” – Nicolette Harrison Graduate 2012 ACAD
” F2 Calgary and the foundation have given me and the other artists involved a great outlook on the future and provided opportunity that is immeasurable ” – Jay Dean Pupp, Current Student ACAD
” The support and direction that I get are great. Its nice to see people take interest in what we work so hard to achieve.” -Luke Mohr, Current Student ACAD
Founders
Stephen Wade
8 years of planning led to the opportunity to partner with fantastic people to take on a great cause and lifetime goal.
The Creative Director of F2 Calgary trained in everything from being a cobbler, goldsmithing, cosmetics and interior design to granite fabrication and japanese hand style tattooing over the past 22 years Stephen Wade is an artist at heart combined with a entrepreneurial drive fueled by his passion for others to succeed .His background in teaching and personal development and has allowed him to work with and mentor a long list of elite clients throughout the years.
A true believer in supporting the arts in all forms; the father of two believes that we are investing the future by pulling together to educate the masses and re establish value in the arts community for generations of artists to come.
“The passing on of knowledge is the best reward one can receive”
David Howse
David Howse is a Calgary-based marketer and entrepreneur. Prior to his business endeavours and from 1996-2001 David was a part of eleven professional film and television productions in Vancouver and Los Angeles. A university degree in Business Management was originally intended to give David a stronger foundation to leave the editing room and enter the production side of film and television; while at school he fell in love with marketing (and philosophy!) Now, David is the president of David Howse Marketing Ltd., Canada Bridal Accessories Wholesale Ltd., and Matterhorn PR.
(1) The foundation does not yet have CRA registration for issuing tax donation receipts. The foundation will, however, put all monies raised after cost (this group will operate in a similar capacity as a not-for-profit but will not withhold any management fees) in to scholarships for Calgary arts and culinary students. CCACF is working toward legal foundation status. Scholarships will be given based on merit and at the descression of the members of CCACF. CCACF will provide open financial documents of all its undertakings.
Carl Boucher
Originally from Chicoutimi, Québec, Carl Boucher has been partnering with some of Calgary’s finest restaurants since 2005. With more then 20 years experience within the Food & Beverage industry, his passion for food and wine keeps growing every day. Carl is a very hard working individual with great ethics. You can find him at Q Haute Cuisine almost every day.
Monika Jensen
International artist Monika Jensen is the president of Monika Jensen Productions and is recognized worldwide for her unique feathering texture in her artwork. She is the founder & creator of STEREOGRAPHIC DIMENSION and has recently launched her own book. Monika is nationally and internationally published in several contemporary master books, magazines and has become the focus in visual art around the world.
She specializes in commissioned works for her elite clientele and Hollywood celebrities who desire a unique art piece. Her worldwide exposure has exploded in the art community; producing only original paintings that cure in one year’s time, her works continually increase in value and notoriety. Commissioned works can be ordered through the website at: www.monikajensenproductions.com
Bryan Wong
Bryan is an entrepreneur who brought in a new concept furniture store into Calgary. He graduated with a Business major at the University of Alberta and applied his education and experience helping build the technology sector in Calgary. After working full time in the corporate world for over 12 years, Bryan decided to open F2 Furnishings in Calgary to pursue his dreams of being an entrepreneur. He is passionate about building a better community through lasting partnerships with local Calgarian businesses and individuals.
Michele Aurigemma
Having been born in Calgary and soon after moving to Italy with his Italian parents, Michele was quickly introduced to Italian cuisine. Michele spent most of his time around food and family. This is when he knew he was destined for cooking.
At the age of 18, Michele had travelled off to London where he worked in several Michelin starred restaurants honing his cooking techniques. “Being in the kitchen, a part of a team was very nurturing to me.”
He quickly realized that taking part in standards of this capacity that cooking and the restaurant business would become his lifestyle. Traveling to France and Italy to take part in some stage recommendations, he also realized that cultural differences in cuisine were apparent yet all trying to reach the same goals…”perfection”.
Michele’s exclusive and innovative approach to fine dining has created a signature experience with captivating menu selections. His greatly desired performance will be overseen in all preparations for the Q Haute group.
Marcello Belvedere
Marcello’s interest in food and wine began early in life. Born in Calgary and raised in Kelowna, BC, Marcello has fond memories of picking backyard fruits and enjoying the family table gatherings.
Marcello is well known in the Calgary culinary scene, both for his restaurant management experience and marketing savvy.
A consummate professional, Marcello along with Michele, started Q Haute Cuisine in the summer of 2005 as a proprietor and restaurant manager after a 15 year stint with both La Tavola Restaurant and the Delta Hotels. Marcello brings passion, along with gracious hospitality to Q Haute Cuisine.
“The room is a state where the performance is played with the cuisine as the main character. I try to have it tasted in ways that are friendly and light. The cellar is a result of my personal beliefs. It is rich in whatever attracts me and I think it is perfect to complete an experience through taste.”
His depth of knowledge of food and wine pairing also makes him perfect for the challenge of assembling pairings for the ever changing tasting menus of Q Haute.
Brittany Wyse
Born and raised here in Alberta the lead administrator for the foundation is ready to push the arts in a new direction.
Her creativity and lust for life shines and engulfs all it comes in contact with. With a background in fashion and styling Brittany is always ready to offer an opinion and help develop new creative ideas with the artists and members to help guide the foundation to its next level.