The fifth annual ArtiGras Carnival, a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser for the arts in Eatonton, returned to town Saturday night.
The festivities started at The Artisans Village Livery Studio, which featured 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 showcases local talent, increases awareness of The Artisans Village's many facets, and raises funds for continued program expansion.
This enchanted evening, filled with live music, artist demonstrations, performing arts, and much more, aims 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 in coordinating the details, planning, and fundraising for the event, which included 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.
This was made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers who donated many hours of time and planning. Tickets for this much-anticipated event sold out again this year, and the money raised will support future programming expansion and operational costs for The Artisans Village.
If you cannot attend this event but are 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 selection reception, which will be held on April 3 at Barrel 118, go on sale March 17. The opening reception for the ninth annual Lake Country Juried Art Show will also be held at Barrel 118 on 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.