Edible ART “The season on the plate” 

Main activities :

1. Edible Food Mosaics

• Kids will use sliced seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes to create mosaic-style artworks on large plates or trays.
• The designs could represent Albanian landscapes, sea life (inspired by Durrës), or traditional symbols like the Illyrian sun.
• While creating, facilitators will discuss why certain foods are in season and their nutritional benefits.

2. Food Stamping & Natural Dyes

• Children will make potato, beetroot, and orange prints on fabric or paper, creating patterns inspired by traditional Albanian textiles.
• They will use turmeric, red cabbage, and pomegranate juice as natural dyes, connecting them to local food traditions.

3. Interactive Storytelling with Seasonal Food Puppets

• Kids will craft simple puppets using fruits, vegetables, and herbs and act out stories about food journeys from farm to plate.
• The stories can highlight seasonality, food waste reduction, and the importance of eating local.

4. “Taste the Seasons” Sensory Game

• A blindfolded game where kids smell, touch, and taste seasonal ingredients and guess what they are.
• This builds sensory awareness and curiosity about local flavors.

Why This Works for Art Explora & Education:

• Innovative Use of Food as Art: Engages children in hands-on creation while linking it to cultural and environmental awareness.
• Multisensory Learning: Combines visual, tactile, and taste experiences, making lessons memorable.
• Encourages Healthy Eating: Promotes fresh, local food in a way that excites children.
• Connects with Local Traditions: Uses Albanian seasonal ingredients and folk storytelling to root the experience in heritage.

Luga e Argjendtë

Luga e Argjendtë (translated as “The Silver Spoon”) is a well-known social enterprise and food initiative in Albania that focuses on promoting sustainable, local, and ethical food practices. It was founded by Dhurata Thanasi, a food entrepreneur and activist dedicated to preserving traditional Albanian cuisine, supporting small farmers, and creating a more sustainable food system.

Dhurata Thanasi and her team works enthusiastically on:

1. Promoting Local and Seasonal Food

• Works with local farmers to source seasonal and native Albanian ingredients.
• Encourages the use of zero-kilometer (0 km) ingredients in restaurants and home kitchens.

2. Food Education & Community Building

• Runs food-related workshops, events, and campaigns to educate people on healthy eating habits.
• Angazhohet me fëmijët, shkollat dhe komunitetet lokale për t'i mësuar rreth të ushqyerit dhe kulturës ushqimore.

3. Sustainability & Slow Food Principles

• Supports traditional food-making techniques to preserve Albania’s gastronomic heritage.
• Focuses on reducing food waste, promoting biodiversity, and using eco-friendly packaging

4. Collaboration with Farmers, Chefs, and Institutions

• Partners with small-scale farmers, chefs, restaurants, and institutions to create a strong local food network.
• Works with international food movements and organizations, like Slow Food, to advocate for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.