The 5th annual Arti-Gras Carnival, a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser for the arts in Eatonton, paraded back into town Saturday night. The festivities started at The Artisans Village Livery Studio with sparkling décor, a pair of elaborate “living tables” passing out beads and wine, signature NOLA cocktails, appetizers, aerial dancers, an artist alley featuring live demos and fresh artwork, and much more.
Following cocktail hour, in true New Orleans fashion, musical guests Bogey and The Viceroy band led the “second line” of party revelers over to nearby Barrel 118 for the main event.
ArtiGras provides an opportunity to showcase local talent, increase awareness of the many facets of The Artisans Village, and raise funds for continued program expansion. Through this enchanted evening filled with live music, artist demonstrations, performing arts, and much more, the goal was to show the many ways The Artisans Village continues to elevate and showcase the arts, not just during one amazing event, but all year long.
ArtiGras Planning Committee Chair Sara Tomson Hooper once again led a team of The Artisans Village board/ guild members and volunteers to pull together all the details, planning, and fundraising for more than 200 guests.
“We have to keep elevating the experience each year with new ways to surprise and delight our guests,” Tomson Hooper stated. “Everyone loved the use of The Livery space last year, so we embellished the experience and expanded the cocktail hour … adding more twinkling lights, sequin décor, a bigger and better artisan marketplace, and new carnival entertainment for major wow factor.
“The generous support from sponsors and a dedicated team of volunteers made this show-stopping experience possible,” she added.
Myrna Taylor of Taylor Events & Floral Design in Eatonton poured her creativity into a magnificent floral décor and design, upping her game this year with elevated floral arrangements to fill the space with every shade of purple and vibrant greenery.
The dinner menu also kept up with the New Orleans theme as Kersey Catering served up Cajun crab cakes, red beans & rice, New Orleans jambalaya, a smoked Cajun turkey carving station, and several distinct side dishes.
And new this year, Canopy Studio from Athens entertained guests with graceful aerial dances and acrobatic feats of strength. The Arts Barn performers also sparkled as living tables and costumed servers while local magician Mark the Magic Man kept guests guessing with his tableside magic tricks.
Once the meal was through, Bogey and the Viceroy took to the Barrel 118 stage and brought the house down, keeping everyone on the dance floor with an energetic set list.
All this was made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers who donated many hours of time and planning. Tickets for this much-anticipated event were sold out again this year and the money raised will support future programming expansion and operational costs for The Artisans Village.
For anyone not able to attend this event but interested in supporting the local artist community, there are many other opportunities to get involved. The Artisans Village offers a variety of art classes, rotating art shows, and opening receptions featuring beautiful artwork from local artisans.
Tickets for the 3rd BIG little Project go on sale March 17 for the selection reception April 3 at Barrel 118. The opening reception for the 9th Annual Lake Country Juried Art Show also will be held at Barrel 118 June 18.
Between those events, check out artists painting_en plein air_(outside) throughout Eatonton on Saturday, May 3, during the Eatonton One-Day Paint Out. For more information on classes and special events visit theartisansvillage.org.
– Contributed