Art Museum Dedicated to Peanut Butter Sandwiches Opens in NYC

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Peanut Butter & Co. – experts in the art of the peanut butter sandwich – once again brings the classic snack to new heights by launching The Nutropolitan Museum of Art, a pop-up art gallery completely devoted to America's favorite sandwich, the PB&J!

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110222/NY52730LOGO )

Working with acclaimed food photographer Theresa Raffetto and noted food stylist Patty White, Peanut Butter & Co. Founder and President Lee Zalben aka "The Peanut Butter Guy," created 365 exciting new takes on the PB&J.  The images will be featured on the Company's Tumblr blog www.Nutropolitan.com.  A selection of the photos will be exhibited at The Nutropolitan's pop-up gallery at Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street, who is also a sponsor of the event.  Prints of the photos will be available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Food Bank For New York City.

The exhibit will be open to the public for three days only: Friday, March 4, 2011 (10am-6pm), Saturday, March 5, 2011 (10am-6pm), and Sunday, March 6, 2011 (10am-4pm). Each family that attends will receive a free jar of Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter and a second jar will be donated to the Food Bank For New York City in their honor. "Just by visiting the gallery, you're making a donation."

The pop-up gallery is being presented in partnership with National Peanut Board (NPB), whose new Energy for the Good Life subway ad campaign kicks off in March.  A selection of the striking and informative ads will be on display throughout the gallery. NPB's annual ad campaign blankets the subways of New York City every March with tongue and cheek facts about peanuts, which delight New Yorkers each year.  This year the campaign has evolved to focus more on the health and nutrition benefits of peanuts and peanut butter, some of which may be surprising to consumers.  Peanuts have more energy-boosting protein than any other nut, more antioxidants than broccoli carrots or green tea, and are a nutrient-rich Superfood, with 30 vitamins and nutrients.

On Thursday, March 3, members of the media are invited to preview the exhibition and taste a selection of peanutty hors d'oeuvres and cocktails prepared by some of New York's top chefs

On Friday, March 4, the exhibit opens to the public.  Invited guests from the health & fitness communities will attend seminars hosted by registered dietitian Deanna Segrave-Daly RD, LDN.

On Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, visitors will be able to make their own art in the PB&J art studio for kids and peanut enthusiasts will be able to meet some of the hard working farmers that grow America's favorite nut.  On Saturday, from 11am to 4pm Van Leuwen Ice Cream truck will operate from in front of the gallery and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm the Treats Truck will do the same.  Both trucks will offer specials on their peanut buttery treats!

About Peanut Butter & Co.

Peanut Butter & Co.'s ten varieties of all-natural peanut butter – Smooth Operator, Crunch Time, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, White Chocolate Wonderful, Dark Chocolate Dreams, The Heat Is On, Mighty Maple, The Bee's Knees, Old Fashioned Smooth and Old Fashioned Crunchy – are made from a special blend of USA-grown peanuts chosen for their taste, texture and natural sweetness.  Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter contains no cholesterol, no trans-fats, no partially hydrogenated oils, and no high fructose corn syrup.  They are also dairy-free and gluten-free.

Peanut Butter & Co.'s line of all-natural, gourmet peanut butter is available in over 10,000 supermarkets and specialty retailers including Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, and Walmart.  The Company's products are also available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Asia.  Peanut Butter & Co. began in 1998 as a cozy little Sandwich Shop in New York City serving nothing peanut butter sandwiches, desserts, and smoothies, among other peanut buttery treats, and was the inspiration for The Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook (Quirk Books), now in its third printing.  For recipes, store locations and more visit ilovepeanutbutter.com

About the National Peanut Board

The National Peanut Board represents all USA peanut farming families. Through research and marketing initiatives the Board is finding new ways to enhance peanut farming and sustainability and increase consumer demand by promoting the great taste, nutrition and culinary versatility of USA-grown peanuts. For more information, visit nationalpeanutboard.org

About the Food Bank For New York City

Food Bank For New York City recognizes 28 years as the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.  As the city's hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of approximately 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need. The Food Bank's hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

About Openhouse Gallery

Openhouse is an all-white, 4,500 square-foot retail gallery with an exceptional retail storefront, drive-in access, 16' ceilings and five massive skylights. Located on Mulberry Street in the heart of trendsetting NoLita, Openhouse is the choice downtown location for cocktail parties, art exhibitions, car showrooms, product launches, editor preview events, film/print/commercial shoots, fashion shows, sample sales, and pop-up retail concepts.  Since its inception in September 2007, Openhouse has hosted such clientele as Clinique, Converse, Diesel, Delta airlines, and Piaget Watches, among others.  Openhouse provides in-house event production, branding, marketing, advertising, pr and print/design services, and has curated events like '201 Mulberry' - Quiksilver's skate ramp pop up, 'PlayBeautiful' - the 2010 World Cup Experience, and 'Park Here' - an indoor pop up park. 

www.ilovepeanutbutter.com

SOURCE Peanut Butter & Co.