THE IDEA:
Sacramento Farmers and Chefs is a documentary photography project that highlights the people responsible for the bountiful food culture of the Sacramento Valley. A collection of portraits and interviews is being created as a result of research into the farming and restaurant communities of our region. This collection is essentially a historical archive of the farmers and chefs whose wor
k is defining and innovating our local food culture today. Whether farmer or chef, the goal of our project is to provide equal recognition for these hard-working people. Regardless of their perceived status in the community, these individuals’ livelihoods are at the center of and have shaped our production, appreciation, and discourse of food. Photographer Janine Mapurunga founded Sacramento Farmers and Chefs in 2012, when she began researching, photographing and interviewing participants. Project director Kelly Rivas came on board in mid 2013 and has become essential to the project's development. Unfortunately we cannot tackle the full task of highlighting every person responsible for the bountiful harvest and food culture of the Sacramento Valley. We do however wish to show our appreciation for all the essential people who do not fall into the parameters of farmer or chef – this includes dishwashers, servers, delivery drivers, owners, managers, bussers, food runners, vendors, baristas, representatives, and all others who have a hand in bringing our local harvests from ground to plate. Thank you! Want to suggest a farmer or chef? Contact us at [email protected]. Please let us know who you would like to see featured in this project and why you believe she or he is significant in the food community of the Sacramento Valley. PROJECT GOALS:
“Eat & Greet” private dinners with farmers and chefs. As Sacramento Farmers and Chefs has grown and developed in both conception and participation, so has its scale. We have already photographed and interviewed over fifty people as we realize we have barely scratched the surface. There is much more work to be done and we need funding in order to keep this independent project going. With this in mind, we are reaching out to the community for sponsors and creating a series of private dinner fundraisers called “Eat & Greets”.
“Eat & Greet” private dinner fundraisers feature farmers and chefs who are participating in the project. These are one of a kind exclusive events intended to provide an intimate culinary experience. Two goals of these events are:
1) To provide an opportunity to connect local eaters with some of the remarkable individuals responsible for the abundant food culture of the Sacramento Valley.
2) To raise funds to cover the costs needed to keep the project running. Sign up for our email list for information about our upcoming "Eat & Greet" dinners.
“Grand Opening”
A kick-off reception with the first 60 printed portraits. Saturday September 14th will mark the unveiling of the first 60 larger than life portraits. We will randomly select 30 farmers and 30 chefs to be featured in 42x23in metal prints. All other portraits will be featured by projector throughout the duration of the event. This event will take place in midtown Sacramento and will feature food and beverages by some of the farmers and chefs participating in the project. Stay tuned for more details. If you are interested in sponsoring the event or have a recommendation for possible sponsors, please email us at [email protected]
“Interviews”
We are transcribing and editing the interviews so they may be featured along with the portraits on the website.
“Book”
Compiling the collection of portraits and interviews into a book is the ultimate goal of Sacramento Farmers and Chefs. Feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions. Many thanks,
Janine Mapurunga & Kelly Rivas
We hope you enjoy and support this project! Janine Mapurunga | Artist & Founder
Kelly Rivas | Project Director
Contact us at [email protected]
