The Firehouse Art Center is firing up its pots once again for the Annual Chili Bowl Cook-Off Saturday. The cook-off offers guests an evening of homemade chili, local art, handcrafted ceramic bowls and community celebration in support of the Firehouse’s year-round arts programming.
Visitors can sample 15 chilis, enjoy baked goods, browse the expanded Holiday Gift Gallery and take home the event’s signature ceramic bowls created by regional artists for an extra charge.
Executive Director and curator Andy Couch first competed in a chili cook-off as an OU School of Visual Arts student. The tradition at OU faded over time, and he said he felt compelled to revive it at Firehouse.
“I used to participate in SOVA’s Chili Bowl … but this job came open at the Firehouse … and so I've been here since then. … I competed in the Chili Bowl at SOVA …” said Couch. “I called the director of SOVA, Pete Crossley, and I said, ‘Hey, Pete, do you mind if I start doing a chili bowl here at the Firehouse?’ He goes, ‘I think that'd be great.’… OU Daily actually covered me making chili as a student. So there's an article out there.”
Couch said bringing the event to the Firehouse made sense because the organization was founded by ceramic artists.
“We were founded by three potters … Providing for our ceramicist here in the community is a big deal,” said Couch.
Now in its third year, the event continues to grow.
“First year was small, the second year got really big, and now in our third year we’re hoping to really blow it out,” Couch said.
This year’s cook-off features 17 pots of chili and expanded seating for 75 guests, a 50% increase from previous years, according to Couch. Judging will be handled by the Norman Fire Department and Bonnie Amspacher, owner of The Diner. Winners of the cook-off can receive cash prizes, a trophy and bragging rights. Guests can vote for the annual people’s choice award.
The cook-off coincides with Firehouse’s Holiday Gift Gallery, which features work from more than 60 Oklahoma artists. The gallery temporarily doubles the size of the Firehouse gift shop and is a vital income stream for local creators.
“It's a really great thing … they get 65% back on their sale, so we only take 35% of the sale as an organization, and that's really for marketing their work, staffing the gift shop, things like that,” said Couch. “So it helps out in our overall development aspect of the Firehouse.”
This year’s fundraiser also includes a limited release of 25 handcrafted Firehouse coffee mugs by artist David Elder that are available only during the event.
The event’s presenting sponsor BancFirst plays a key role in making the evening possible.
“They’re somebody who we can rely on for annual support, and they’re a big part of what we do,” Couch said.
Kendall’s Restaurant will donate its well-known cinnamon rolls for the dessert offerings.
Couch said he hopes the cook-off will one day grow beyond just the Firehouse and become a statewide or regional event.
As Norman considers its Norman Forward cultural expansion in the coming years, the Firehouse could eventually have space for outdoor activities, live music or a public chili competition.
For Couch, the most meaningful part of the cook-off is the community that gathers around it.
“Coming back to lead an arts organization like the Firehouse is definitely a really special thing for me,” said Couch.
The Firehouse Chili Bowl Cook-Off starts at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 6 p.m. for general admission Saturday at Firehouse Art Center. Tickets are available online starting at $20.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Kennedy Johnson and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
