You've Eaten His Food, Now Check Out Kenny's Art

We are big fans of Kenny’s! Whether it’s Kenny’s Burger Joint in Plano and Frisco or Kenny’s East Coast Pizza in Plano, chef Kenny Bowers makes delicious meals. We’ve eaten his food and next month, we can see his art. 

On Feb. 1, Bowers will showcase his work in a special art exhibition at Kenny’s Italian Kitchen in Addison.

Where To See Bowers Art

When: February 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
Where: 5100 Belt Line Road in Addison’s Village on the Parkway
Why: 100% of proceeds donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
*RSVP not needed

At the upcoming event in February, Bowers will be offering guests the opportunity to see his work up close, learn about his artistic journey, and engage with the stories behind the pieces. The exhibition will also feature light bites and drinks, creating a relaxed atmosphere for art lovers and supporters of St. Jude. 

For Bowers, art is about freedom of expression, not perfection and he embraces a spontaneous, intuitive approach to painting that allows him to channel feelings directly onto the canvas without second-guessing.

“It’s not about perfection but about real and raw freedom of expression,” Bowers said. “I prefer to paint quickly and spontaneously, translating feelings to the canvas, eliminating any opportunities for second thoughts or regrets.”

How The Chef Began Painting

Bowers’ artistic journey began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a halt and many, like Bowers, found themselves confined to their homes. Known for his hands-on, tactile nature, Bowers struggled with the isolation of this period. It was a friend and mentor, who also happened to be an artist, who encouraged him to explore painting as a form of expression. 

What started as a therapeutic outlet soon became a passion. Bowers discovered that painting, like cooking, allowed for limitless creativity and the freedom to express emotions and ideas.

Bowers’ artistic inspiration comes from many sources, including symbolism found in nature and the complexities of human emotion. He is particularly drawn to the symbolism of butterflies, seeing them not only as beautiful creatures but as representations of transformation and new beginnings.

"I love butterflies, for example,” Bowers said. “They are beautiful, of course, but what really resonates with me is the painful, scary metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings.”

Giving Back To The Community

As he honed his skills, Bowers began sharing his work with friends and family, and their reactions inspired him to take the next step. One of his friends encouraged him to start selling his paintings, an idea that resonated with Bowers on both a personal and philanthropic level.

Driven by a desire to use his art for good, he began displaying a collection of his paintings at Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill, the flagship restaurant of his group. The works were sold through direct donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and to date, Bowers has sold over 250 paintings, raising more than $56,000 to support the hospital’s mission.

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