Art Deco was a design movement that changed the look and feel of kitchens everywhere—but what did those iconic, aproned housewives of the era actually cook? This webinar explores the fun of collecting vintage cookbooks and recipes as an American literary and historical lens—as well as inspiration for your next meal!
Author Kristen Caven’s first published article, Deconstructing the Deco Diet, led to lectures in Miami Beach and San Francisco, updated with a more inclusive lens for this month's webinar. Her a tasty tour through the forgotten cuisines of the Art Deco Era when the combined forces of Technology, the Great Depression, Hollywood, and Art Deco design gave Americans such classic dishes as Steak Delmonico, Oysters Rockefeller, and of course, glittering Jell-O. The full lecture, which will tempt every tongue—not only with imagined flavors—but with the tasty phrases employed by the era’s cooks and writers, will be available on her website, www.kristencaven.com, after this event, which will be focused on classic picnic fare.
“We are living in a ‘Sandwich, Salad, and Dessert Age’ … in short, MODERN AMERICA.” —Octa Lee Stephen Timlin
Be prepared to take notes on collectible books, pamphlets, and recipes galore, to inspire both your Deco kitchen and your basket for the Gatsby Summer Afternoon picnic. Will you bring Frozen Fruit Salad? A Luncheon Loaf? Pot Liquor Cocktails? A Gay Dessert?
Bio
Kristen Caven is a writer, scholar, educator, dancer, humorist and competent (if not consummate) hostess committed to engaging her audiences in thoughtful new perspectives and cultivating delight. She received her BA from Mills College in Myth and the Western Mind, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Institute. The author of many books and plays, she is currently the California Writers Club Writer in Residence at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, where she hosts an annual historic literary picnic in October near the magnificent WPA Cascade. Caven’s other historical explorations include two books exploring family history, her play/film The Dirndl Diaspora, and CommuniTEA socials, a cultural revival at the devastated Mills College. Her contributions to the ADSC have included many performances as a founding member of the Decobelles and the first “official” Miss Art Deco; more recently co-hosting the Poet’s Parlor at the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Several of her books and pamphlets, such as Deconstructing the Deco Diet and Art Deco Lit are her personal fundraising tools for the Club.
When she’s not behind the computer writing or at some fabulous event, Kristen teaches, among other things, creative wellness classes. Eclectic, playful "Dancetera!" happens weekly at the Oakland Senior Center, and she's enrolling for "Showgirl Shenanigans" plus a fun nutrition class called Fiberlicious! Kriten speaks nationally and internationally on a variety of subjects geared towards creativity and healing our histories; her creative consulting and leadership are valued by various organizations and artists. Find her social media links and sign up for her "Museletter" at www.kristencaven.com.