Our Story

The Spirit of Chocolate project originated as a creative vision by Mark Guiltinan, that explores the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao, tracing its roots from indigenous peoples of the Amazon and Central America to the present-day farmers who carry on its legacy. Through a multi-media art installation, the project seeks to capture the profound connection between cacao growers and the land, highlighting their craftsmanship and reverence for the crop. This is a collaboration between scientists - Mark Guiltinan, Siela Maximova, and Penn State’s Huck Institutes SciArt group - Daryl Branford and Talley Fisher. Our hope is that the project will amplify the voices of indigenous cacao farmers and educate the public about the true origins and meaning of chocolate, celebrating the farmers’ dedication and their spirit through a blend of visual storytelling and academic insight.