Amnesia Salon Dinners Blend Food, Art, And Human Connection

Marlon Hall, creator and lead artist of the Amnesia Salon Dinners, has hosted more than 200 unique gatherings worldwide.

These dinners, held in locations ranging from the United States to Italy and Kenya, are designed to foster human connection through shared meals and meaningful conversation.

The concept revolves around the cross-pollination of stories and experiences. Guests are prohibited from discussing their professions, focusing instead on who they are in life. Hall describes the events as "amnesia therapy," a way to reconnect the mind, body, and heart while navigating life’s challenges.

Image Provided By: Marlon Hall

Each dinner features a culinary artist in residence who crafts a three-course meal representing personal, cultural, and global stories. The food acts as a catalyst for dialogue, encouraging guests to explore their shared humanity.

The dinners began as a deeply personal project for Hall in 2017, following a difficult period in his life. Using reclaimed wood from his grandmother’s home, he created tables to host traditional salon-style gatherings aimed at finding beauty in brokenness.

Hall also introduced Mosaic Salon Dinners as part of an artist residency at the University of Wisconsin. These events engaged students and the local community, blending art exhibitions, film, and social sculpture with the dinner experience.

Image Provided By: Marlon Hall

Upcoming dinners continue the tradition of fostering connection. The next event, a New Year’s affirmation dinner on Jan. 2, 2025, will encourage guests to reflect on their purpose and identity for the coming year.

A lottery will select 14 of the 22 total guests for the January dinner; the other eight are for guests at Hall's invitation.

Interested participants can enter by emailing their name, ethnic heritage, and vocation to Hall by Dec. 12 at marlon@marlonhall.com.

Additional information about the dinners and Hall’s work can be found at MarlonHall.com or on his Instagram.