Kenny Bowers, the chef behind Kenny’s Restaurant Group restaurants like Kenny’s Burger Joint and Kenny’s Wood Fired Pizza, is hosting an inaugural art show on February 1 benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Bowers took up painting as a hobby and therapeutic outlet. Once he felt he’d improved enough to sell his art, he hung a small collection at Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill and donated sales to St. Jude. To date, Bowers has raised more than $56,000 through the sale of more than 250 paintings.
“I love butterflies, for example. They are beautiful, of course, but what really resonates with me is the painful, scary metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings,” Bowers said. “I use color, gestural marks and a variety of tools and media to express these things mostly in an abstract way. It’s not about perfection but about real and raw freedom of expression. I prefer to paint quickly and spontaneously, translating feelings to the canvas, eliminating any opportunities for second thoughts or regrets.”
The art show will take place at Kenny’s Italian Kitchen located at 5100 Belt Line Road. Bowers plans to have at least 50 pieces on display and available for sale, light bites and drinks.
