If you’ve never dined on fine art, then you have an incredible culinary experience awaiting when the Troy University College of Communication and Fine Arts presents “Edible Art Night” on Feb. 10 at The Cultural Arts Studio in downtown Troy.

The first Edible Art event three years ago was such delicious fun that it has become an annual fundraising event, hosted by the “college” for the benefit of the Troy Arts Council.

“The College of Communication and Fine Arts wanted to do have some kind of social event that had to do with the fine arts,” said Dr. Maryjo Cochran, ‘college’ dean. “We wanted it to be a fundraiser for the Troy Arts Council because the arts council has been so generous in helping to fund several of our events at the university. The arts council also sponsors many artistic performances for the people of Troy and Pike County. We believe Edible Art is a valuable project to help promote the good works of the Troy Arts Council.”

Cochran said Edible Art has become quite a competitive event among the faculty.

“Each one tries to come up with an edible art piece that is more outstanding than last year’s and that’s a tall order,” she said. “What’s even more fun about this exhibit is that you not only get to admire great works of art, you get to eat them, too.”

The entire university faculty is invited to show their creative culinary art skills and the art and design department leads the way with phenomenal creations with the School of Music close behind.

“We usually have between 25 and 30 pieces that range from the Picasso-type to paintings with M&Ms,” Cochran said. “Last year, we had a sailing vessels made out of pretzels and graham crackers that was fantastic. There was a Monet painting of water lilies made from cupcakes and another was a ‘leather’ shoe in a box. It was a tremendous show.”

The general public is invited to participate in the Edible Art competition and those who participate will not be charged admission.

The 2009 Edible Art show promises to be the equal or better of last year’s show and an even tastier one.

Judging will be done by a panel of celebrity judges. The “patrons of the arts” will be given five gold coins when they enter the “Studio.” The coins will be used to cast “votes” for the Patrons’ Choice Award.

“As soon as the judging is done, everyone can dig in,” Cochran said. “The artwork is delicious and fun to eat.”

Students in the art department will be the servers and they will wear aprons with the Edible Art logo painted on them. The aprons will be auctioned with the proceeds also going to the TAC.

Live entertainment for Edible Art Night will be Troy University music professor Ray Smith and the Troy University Jazz Ensemble.

The Fourth Annual Edible Art Night will be from 7 until 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the ‘Studio” on East Walnut Street. Tickets are $15 for individuals, $25 for couples and $5 for children 12 and under.

Tickets may be purchased at Malone Hall on the Troy University campus, the Johnson Center for the Arts on East Walnut Street and at the door.