The gallery of the Bowen Center echoed with the sounds of jazz Saturday night as guests enjoyed the Art of Food exhibit while feasting on hors doeuvres and dancing the night away to music provided by Lanier Jazz.

An Evening at the Bowen was part of the Dawson County Arts Councils The Art of Food, the exhibit currently showing at the Bowen Center. Fear of rain moved the party that evening indoors.

This is the first time we have incorporated music into one of our art exhibits, said Jeanne Tompkins, DCAC president. Our goal this year was to coordinate our events with the art being exhibited.

The Art of Food is a two-month exhibit, running through the end of September. It features photography, paintings, drawings and, for the first time, writing.

I am ecstatic, Tompkins said. I think there are about 35 or 40 people here. We didnt think we would have that many, especially with the weather.

After guests dined and danced, they were treated to desserts provided by Jacki Scarborough of Jackis Kitchen. The event was sponsored by Spec-Takular Boutique and the Luxe Vein Institute.

Up next for the Bowen Center is The Art of Entertaining workshop, featuring blogger Julieta Cardenas and Holly Ledingham of Biltmore Inspirations. The workshop will be held at the Bowen Center Sept. 14, beginning at 1 p.m., and will provide ideas for table decorating and food presentation. The fee to attend is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Following the workshop, writers who displayed their work in The Art of Food exhibit, will read their submissions while guests enjoy coffee, provided by Steamers Coffee. The shows writing jurist Tonnette Long, instructor at North Georgia College and State University will be present to give her judging criteria on the writings. The event is free to attend.

For more information, call 706-216-ARTS (2787).