Pastry Live is proud to announce that Dawn Joy Stoika of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the winner of the second annual Art of Cake competition. The Art of Cake called for competitors to transform cake into creations inspired by an artist or art time period of their choice. With both traditional stacked tiers and sculpted elements required, each competitor decorated a cake reflecting not only the art each designer was inspired by, but their own artistic flair as well. Flavor was equally important, as competitors also had to present a tasting cake for the judging panel’s approval.
Dawn Joy’s cake, inspired by Andy Warhol, featured many iconic images from the well known artist. During the creation of her piece, she was motivated by Warhol’s wise words to artists everywhere to simply create, unhindered by other’s judgments of the finished work. From hand painted pop art renditions of Marilyn Monroe to a small caricature figure of the famous artist himself, Dawn Joy’s design covered every facet of the controversial artist’s work down to the very last detail. But, her skillful design wasn’t the only aspect that impressed the judges as her tasting cake earned her high praise for its overall flavor profile. Iced in Swiss buttercream, her almond lavender cake with lemon cream filling expressed her baking talent right along with her artistic ability, earning her the first place award.
Second place went to Dawn Davis of Dawn Bakes Cakes, whose design was inspired by the natural grace of Art Nouveau. She was further influenced by this artistic style through her memories of the stained glass windows found where she was raised in Oak Park, Illinois. One of the most detailed features of her design was the delicate doll figurine perched on the top of her cake. Crafted from a combination of fondant and gumpaste, the hand painted topper drew many elements from Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. While Dawn’s display was expertly created, her tropical tres leche tasting cake with whipped buttercream icing demonstrated her baking prowess to the judging panel.
Vinny Garcia of the Bleeding Heart Bakery took third place with his design inspired by the tattoo creations of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Paying homage to Sailor Jerry’s nautical background, Vinny’s mermaid cake included meticulously detailed tattoo artwork reminiscent of his inspiration’s art style. His coconut cake filled with caramelized pineapple and spiced rum buttercream finished his overall presentation to the judges.
Pastry Live wishes to congratulate all of the winners as well as thank each of the cake artists who competed for their professionalism, dedication and hard work.
For more details about Pastry Live and the Art of Cake competition, please contact Event Producer Paul Bodrogi at chef@pastrylive.com or (678) 881-9490. Further information is also available on our website at www.pastrylive.com.
Source: Pastry Live
