Artist Thomas Arvid Hosts Benefit Wine Dinner at Fleming's

His artwork hangs in private homes, corporate collections and wineries, as well as in Fleming's restaurants across the country. Arvid fans will have a chance to meet him at the newest Fleming's newest Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Chicago; the restaurant pays tribute to Arvid and his passion for art and wine at a benefit dinner, Friday, September 5. Fleming's Chef-Owner Curtis Quackenbush has created a special menu for the wine dinner that will raise funds for Chicago Gateway Green (www.gatewaygreen.org). The organization is dedicated to beautifying and greening Chicago's gateways, expressways and neighborhoods. Arvid is particularly interested Gateway Green's International Sculptural Program that has introduced several public art works into Chicago's urban landscape.

Arvid says he strives to make his work accessible and pleasing to as many people as possible. "People think that art is for an elite group of people to enjoy - art is for everyone to enjoy," the artist says. And he feels the same way about wine. By bringing art and wine together in realistic but unpretentious scenes, he breaks down traditional barriers surrounding both. "My pieces are about getting a bottle open and sharing a glass with friends," says Arvid.

As a self-taught painter, Arvid learned to appreciate wine and great food in a similar fashion: with time, experimentation, humor, and a sense of balance between his disciplined work ethic and his role as a family guy with a wide circle of friends. While Arvid has a studio in Kennesaw, Georgia, he frequently travels to the California wine country and other places in the U.S. He often sets up his easel wherever he is, sometimes working out in public.

Arvid is married and the father of two boys. For more information on the artist, visit www.thomasarvid.com.

Thomas Arvid Wine Dinner
6:30 pm
Friday, September 5
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
25 E. Ohio, Chicago
312. 329.9463
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Meet Thomas Arvid
Saturday: 2 to 8 pm
Sunday: noon to 3 pm
Galerie Matisse
Lake Geneva, WI
www.thomasarvid.com

Thomas Arvid Wine Dinner Menu

Hors D'oeuvres
Crab Stuffed Shrimp Duck Somosa's Mango and Crab Stack
Far Niente Chardonnay Napa 2006

Salad Course
Papaya Salad with Australian Rock Lobster and Sweet Chili Dressing
Nickel & Nickel Syrah, Darien Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma 2006

Fish Course
Butter Poached Seas Scallops on the Half Shell with Wild Mushroom Risotto
Nickel & Nickel Merlot, Sori Bricco Vineyard, Diamond Mountain 2004

Main Course
Pepper Crusted Lamb Chops with Plum Chutney and Cabernet Whipped Potatoes
Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock Cairn Vineyard, Oakville 2005

Dessert
Grilled Bananas with Rich Caramel Sauce and Cinnamon Ice Cream
Dolce, Napa 2004