Kate Capshaw's Portrait of White House Chef Tafari Campbell Debuts at Obama Center

Just six weeks after the Obama Presidential Center opened, Kate Capshaw, an actress and artist, unveiled its first new artwork: a portrait of Tafari Campbell, the late White House chef. Titled Tafari (2026), the artwork features Campbell holding a sourdough boule, symbolizing a memorable baking moment. Capshaw, who is married to director Steven Spielberg, got to know Campbell during her visits to the Obamas, where he often created dishes inspired by local ingredients. She recalled sharing her sourdough starter with him, which led to a spontaneous baking experience. This portrait is now permanently displayed in Tafari's Kitchen, the center's restaurant. Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation CEO, praised the piece for celebrating friendship and the joy of shared meals. Additionally, the museum features an installation by Lava Thomas called Resistance Reverb: Movement 1 (2024), which includes vibrant fuchsia tambourines and is on loan for a year.