Working Chocolate Factory Combines Art and Treats in Chelsea

A mix of visual, performance and culinary art has arrived in Chelsea in the form of chocolate-covered marshmallow. NY1's Stephanie Simon filed the following report.

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In Chelsea, it's the sweet smell of success, and the even sweeter taste of chocolate-covered marshmallow.

"I thought it was absolutely delicious. It is very sweet," said one taste-tester.

"I like the marshmallow," said another.

After several very successful back-to-back exhibitions, the David Zwirner Gallery on 19th Street has been transformed into a working chocolate factory. This mix of sculpture, performance and installation art was conceived by Colombian artist Oscar Murillo.

"Oscar has designed a beautiful package for the choco-mallows with a big smile, and the visitors can come and take the choco-mallows, eat them and take them with them," says Cristina Revert of the David Zwirner Gallery.

Three generations of Murillo's family have worked at a Colombian chocolate factory. This version is churning out seven-thousand pieces a day.

"Is there an appropriate amount of chocolate to take or eat while you are here?" I ask Revert.

"Well, appropriate is you decide—what is appropriate for you. We don't have any suggestions. It's absolutely free. You can have one. You can have as many as you want," Revert says.

I can't help but think about that famous "I Love Lucy" episode.

"When the chocolate starts going really fast and they have to eat them, does that ever happen?" I ask.

"I don't think it has happened yet, but you never know," Revert replies.

When the workers are on their lunch break, gallery visitors can come back and see the actual factory, and, of course, have some more chocolate.

If you take some candy with you, you will definitely leave with a smile.

The exhibit is up through June 14.