Hungry for a new recipe? Try mixing a can of food, an art exhibition and an opportunity to win a free watercolor. This recipe will be served up at du Jour restaurant from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 3 as the restaurant hosts the opening reception for “Food4Thought,” an exhibit by local painter Jeff Hall.

The exhibit is a collection of Hall’s recent paintings, which focus on the symbolic use of food. Furthering this tasty theme, the first five people who arrive at the opening with a can of food for the Central Virginia Food Bank will receive a free watercolor. The watercolors are part of a 50-painting food diary in which Hall explores the idea “you are what you eat.” The winners will choose from five of the paintings, and Hall will sell the remaining 45.

Ten percent of the night’s profits will also be donated to the Food Bank. By showing his work at a restaurant, Hall says he avoids the 40 percent commission fee galleries normally charge, thus increasing the donation. Hall also believes galleries can be intimidating; having the exhibit at du Jour may make people more likely to attend.

“I was trying to get the community more involved in the arts and give back to the community as well,” he says.

Hall, a University of Richmond graduate who teaches at the Center for the Arts in Henrico County Public Schools, tries to teach his students the importance of contributing to the community. “I have to practice what I preach,” he says.

Though Hall has shown his work extensively on the East Coast, “Food4Thought,” is his first exhibit with community involvement. He hopes it will not be his last.

The food drive takes place only on Oct. 3, but the exhibit runs Sept. 27-Nov. 28 at du Jour, 5806 Grove