Dunedin Culinary Arts Center Offers New Program For Challenged Student

CLEARWATER, FL — Spaces are available for members of The Arc Tampa Bay to participate in the new Culinary Arts Program at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

This program is designed to provide customized training for those interested in the ins and outs of food preparation and basic cooking skills for clients at The Arc in Clearwater, which serves people with intellectual and developmental challenges, including people with autism, seniors and those with intense behavioral issues.

The goal of the entry-level culinary arts program is to instruct students who are committed to a career in culinary arts and to help them achieve their potential through small class sizes and individualized instruction from a professional faculty and staff.

Students will acquire the foundational knowledge and skills of cooking and/or baking, sensory awareness and teamwork needed to work with competence and professionalism in a commercial kitchen or in a related culinary field.

In addition to this vocational training program, The Arc Tampa Bay offers employment assistance to for those who are seeking community-based employment. A supported employment coach assists clients in the program to obtain identification cards, arrange transportation, apply for jobs and learn specific skills for the job.

The Culinary Arts Program runs through Dec. 1, and classes are held at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Designed by Klar and Klar Architects of Clearwater and sdg Architecture of Dunedin in 2015 with $530,000 in donations, the Dunedin Fine Art Center's state-of-the-art culinary studio features high-tech equipment and a theater video system intended to inspire students and faculty to create "food as art," stimulating all the senses.

The studio includes a chef’s station with commercial range and oven, overhead cameras and two 80-inch monitors for demonstrations and video production.

The facility features six mobile workstations for students, powered with 220-volt overhead reels that move on castors. The custom-built units include electric range tops, large preparation surfaces, storage and a built-in exhaust system that takes the place of overhead hoods.

Residents seeking to support the Culinary Fine Arts Program and other programs at The Arc are invited to attend The Arc Tampa Bay Annual Banquet Sept. 18 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort where the many accomplishments of those served by The Arc Tampa Bay, its staff and community partnerships will be recognized.

The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation is also accepting sponsorships for its signature "Just Desserts" event, a volunteer and sponsor recognition event and its Nov. 16 Premiere Night exclusive opening evening cocktail event for The Arc's annual Festival of Trees returning to the Long Center in Clearwater Nov. 17 to 19.

To volunteer or donate, click here.

To sign up for the Culinary Arts Program, email mcote@thearctb.org.