What’s it all about?

This is a once a year event where participants submit any pie recipe and 300 word written explanation about how your life tastes, in a pie. The entries go through a judging process of nationally recognized food writers. Over the course of several weeks, pies are judged upon the creativity and innovation in ideas reflecting the ingredients used in the recipe.

Prior to the event, all entrants will be notified about the status of their submission. This allows the artists to create the original pieces of art work that each winner will receive. These limited edition silk-screen prints reflect the ideas in the original written story—a truly unique piece of art, direct from your very own heart, will be reflected back to you in a beautiful image you can hang in your home and enjoy forever.

Why pie?

I chose to use pies because of their timeless appeal to the seasons, cross generations, and the local culture. I am also interested in exploring the ancient correlation between taste and feeling. The goal of Pietopia™ is to incite communication, connection, and communing as the interweaving entities within the fabric of our daily lives; as well as how the senses of taste and smell and the feelings/memories they can evoke, spearhead this process and open doors for understanding. Pietopia™ seeks to channel our connection with food as a way to communicate, ultimately discovering what the city’s quality of life truly is.

The 2010 Winners

The Messy, Sticky, Ooey, Gooey, Banana, Caramel, Chocolate, Fudge Brownie Pie, by Caroline Ford

My younger brother has a spirited, cheerful three-year-old daughter and a giggly, flirtatious one-year-old son. Except, my brother is a drug addict and dealer and is in prison with a 20-year sentence. He has completely missed the exciting “firsts” of his babies and will continue to be absent for their early years. It breaks my heart, but I love the kids so much I can hardly stand it. more