"The Art of Fruit and Vegetable Carving"
New Class at Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College is offering a new class this summer called "The Art of Fruit and Vegetable Carving." Students will learn to create elaborate fruit and vegetable carvings like the ones used by gourmet chefs. Bouquets of flowers, stunning sailboats, and colorful butterflies are just some of the designs that will be taught by instructor Wanworrawan Wongpaiboon.

These butterflies are carved from carrots and white radishes.

Wongpaiboon first learned this art form in elementary school in Thailand. "I was very young at the time, but the beauty and the creativity of this art form captured me. I thought that it was and still is fun to play with food," she said.

"This art is a beautiful and unique alternative for anyone who wants to decorate for a party or special occasion. It is also pleasing to the eyes and edible," Wongpaiboon said. Another benefit to the art, she added, is "Many children learn to eat vegetables because it looks like something else." Among the most popular items Wongpaiboon's students like to create are carrot butterflies, cucumber flowers, and bell pepper lilies. Basic flowers and animal patterns are some of the easier forms to master, but by the end of the class, most students will be able to make beautiful centerpiece arrangements, flower bouquets, melon sailboats, and more, Wongpaiboon said.

These daffodils are carved from white radishes and painted with food coloring.

"In this class you will not only learn the creative way to turn fruits and vegetables into art, but you can eat the art too," Wongpaiboon said.

The class meets July 9 - August 1, 2007, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am - noon at Midlands Technical College Harbison Campus. Tuition is $99. A materials fee of $150 will be paid to the instructor for the student's tools and books to keep. The class will also be offered in the evening starting September 24, 2007.

To register, visit www.mtctraining.com or call (803) 732-0432.