Is it cake or art? How about both!

Inspiring inclusion for Women’s History Month, Sugarbuzz Desserts’ Suelan Chung-Evans enlisted an elite all-female cast to create a display of opulent artistry and cake mastery for the first-ever staging of black tie event, A Taste of Art: the Exhibition.

Transforming The Blank Space at The Trade Centre in Kingston into a gorgeous gateau gallery, the display of decadence on Saturday showcased intriguing creations which added as much spice as it did sweetness.

There was ‘The Little Teapot’ from Jodicakes, ‘Love in Bloom’ from Bowl ‘N’ Batter Ja, ‘Under the Sea’ by Orange Peel Caterers, ‘Lady in Bloom’ by Lola’s Desserts, ‘Blossom in New Yark’ by Sweet Lady Cakes, ‘Love at Sunset’ by Le Macaron Pastries, ‘Cloud Nine’ from Cakes by Queata, ‘Behind the Smile’ by Sugarbuzz Desserts, ‘Black and White’ by Sweet Mischief Ja and ‘Owl on a Branch’ by Suga Mama Cakes.

You name it, a taste of art had it on exhibition. With wine in hand and desserts floating through the space for sweet indulgence, the attentive audience feasted their eyes on the exquisite masterpieces before them, savouring every enchanting moment.

Each exhibitor took the floor and eloquently explained the story behind their sugary vision. Le Macaron Pastries’s Saleema Barclay crafted a love story with her ‘Love at Sunset’. “For me, 40 is such a special time to fall in love because you know who you are, you don’t have the same kind of inhibitions. You’re going after what you want because you want to do it,” she told Food.

“The piece was also a reflection of spirituality because I am a woman of faith. And I wanted to bring that element into the mix, choosing to incorporate the element of a five point starfish, seven stones on the beach and 14 roses, which I actually made,” Barclay added.

As for other creations, Orange Peel Caterers’s ‘Under the Sea’ paid homage to the beautiful marine wildlife and the need to protect it at all costs. While, Chung-Evan’s piece examined the complexities of human nature, navigating the phases and being happy, in spite of circumstances.

Learning to make edible lace and making handmade petals, Newell-Irving’s three-tiered cake was pink enchantment, speaking to her own state of bloom in exploring new adventures and possibilities. Speaking with Food, the Bowl ‘N’ Batter creator described her cake as a labour of love.

Sweet Mischief Ja’s Balfour-Henry stayed true to majestic form, presenting a classic black and white piece for others to admire.

‘Blossom on New Yark’ by Trudi-Ann Stephenson depicts a stunning, bold and confident woman, going about in the season of spring in style. “It’s just on the cusp of summer and this lovely, sophisticated woman decides to step out after working so hard. It’s about this woman being herself as she leaves winter, goes to spring and embraces the new season of summer in New Yark (York),” she shared.

The cloud, created by Laqueta Donalson, had many on cloud nine. This ultimate showstopper, functioning as the only moving patisserie piece in the gallery.

Rochelle Makyn of Suga Mama Cakes told the tale of the prettiest white owl she had ever seen and the desire to bring that memory back to reality, cake style. “I wanted to do something different. I’ve never created a structured cake before. Starting out big, I was able to give him a tummy tuck. He is made of vanilla cake with Rice Crispy Treats,” Makyn said. The question replaying in everyone’s mind was: is this cake? And the answer that rang was a resounding yes!

Thanking Sweet Greetings, as well as the sponsors and exhibitors for coming onboard, Chung-Evans was grateful for the love and support she received for the premiere showing. She looks forward to making this spectacle an annual event.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com