Ceramics Center and Zins present dinner

The Ceramics Center and Zins Restaurant are teaming up April 26 to bring a one-of-a-kind fundraising and dining event to Cedar Rapids.

Zins, 227 Second Ave. SE, will be serving a prix fixe five-course meal on unique, handmade ceramic dishes made by the Artists in Residence from The Ceramics Center. The dishes will all be auctioned off to benefit The Ceramics Center and their Artist in Residence program.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. where the dishes will be on display. Guests are free to admire the work and to place bids on the work in a silent auction format. Once seated, each course will be brought out from the kitchen on these unique dishes. After dessert, the evening concludes with closing bids on the silent auction items. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the individual artists and The Ceramics Center.

The Artist in Residence program at The Ceramics Center is a unique opportunity in the state of Iowa for emerging artists working in clay. The residents receive a benefit package which includes private studio space, free firing, discounted materials and teaching opportunities. In exchange, they work to staff The Center and maintain the studio on a daily basis. Most resident artists are recent college graduates who are trying to make the transition to either studio life or to graduate school.

“The program is a great opportunity; it's not really easy- or cheap- to set up a wheel and kiln in your basement,” said resident artist and '09 Coe graduate Andrea Degneau. “I don't know how I'd be able to continue throwing pottery without the Residency Program.”

Dinnerware by residents Andrea Degneau, Ashley Fulton, Nicole Greene, April Woolsey, Frank Ditri and Juston Rominger, as well as pieces by Ceramics Center Director Ben Jensen will be used for the dinner and silent auction.

Seating is limited and can be reserved at $40 per person. Reservations may be made through Zins Restaurant, (319) 363-ZINS.

The Ceramics Center is located in the historic Cherry Building at 329 10th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. The Center's hours are, Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Evening Schedule:Dinner at Zins Restaurant will be served on handmade dishes from The Ceramics CenterDate: Monday, April 26thTime: 5 to 6 p.m. Happy Hour and Silent Auction Preview6 to 8 p.m. 5-course meal8 to 8:30 p.m. Final Bids for the Silent AuctionCost: $40 per person for a 5-course mealMenu: Course 1: EscalarCourse 2: Strawberry Salad with goat cheese and candied pecansCourse 3: Wild Mushroom PastaCourse 4: Beef Short Ribs with sautéed brussel sprouts and maytag blue cheese mashed potatoes

Dinner at Zins Restaurant will be served on handmade dishes from The Ceramics Center

Date: Monday, April 26th

Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Happy Hour and Silent Auction Preview

6 to 8 p.m. 5-course meal

8 to 8:30 p.m. Final Bids for the Silent Auction

Cost: $40 per person for a 5-course meal

Menu: Course 1: Escalar

Course 2: Strawberry Salad with goat cheese and candied pecans

Course 3: Wild Mushroom Pasta

Course 4: Beef Short Ribs with sautéed brussel sprouts and maytag blue cheese mashed potatoes

Course 5: caramel cheesecake with fresh fruit