Lake Country turned out in all its New Orleans-inspired finery on Saturday as the 6th annual Artigras transformed The Livery and then Barrel 118 into high-energy centers of creativity, community, and barely controlled chaos — but all for a cause.
“It’s built on itself every year,” said Kevin Tomson-Hooper, who co-owns the downtown Eatonton event venues with his wife, Sara. “We’ve added new features each year that kind of up the ante from the year before.”
What began as Sarah’s vision to “create a festival of the arts” has grown into one of the area’s most anticipated social and cultural events. Conceived seven years ago as a way to generate buzz and support for the arts, Artigras — a playful nod to Mardi Gras — has evolved into an immersive fundraiser that blends fine art, performance, music, and spectacle.
“We didn’t know how long this thing would go when we started,” Tomson-Hooper said. “But we’re six years in now.”
This year’s event emphasized visual art more than ever before, with six artists working live throughout the venue.
“The conversation among the board was that we needed to bring more art into The Livery so guests could have a better visual that this is a fundraiser for the arts,” Tomson-Hooper said. “
One featured artist, Dawn Kinney Martin, painted on-site using only a palette knife.
“She doesn’t use a brush,” Tomson-Hooper stressed, noting that many guests were fascinated to watch her technique.
Guests also watched as Lake Country’s own Brian Dawson worked a grinder, sending sparks flying as he worked on a metal deer’s head. The dramatic display drew a crowd — as well as a few concerned ears.
“It wasn’t even that bad,” Tomson-Hooper laughed, adding that one attendee immediately recognized the scent of welding from his college days. “And that’s exactly what we wanted, more interaction among the artists and the guests.”
Beyond the canvases and sparks, Artigras delivered its signature carnival atmosphere. Stilt walkers, flame performers, and “living tables,” featuring young performers from the local Arts Barn, roamed the space, dancing and engaging with attendees.
“They were loving it,” Tomson-Hooper said of the performers. “And that’s what this whole event’s about. If they’re having fun, other people will have fun, too.”
Unlike traditional black-tie galas, Artigras encourages flair and creativity among its attendees as well.
“It’s not the standard fundraising dinner,” Tomson-Hooper said. “You can dress up as much as you want to — or as little as you want to — and people really get into it.”
Importantly, Tomson-Hooper stressed that Artigras' focus remains on celebration and having fun, rather than solicitation.
“We’re not asking anybody for money during Artigras,” he said. “That’s happened already. You bought a ticket? You’ve contributed.”
Ticket prices — $195 per person — are designed to reflect the true cost of the event, with sponsors helping to underwrite the experience.
“It wouldn’t be successful without our sponsors,” Tomson-Hooper said. “When you put together the food, entertainment, and everything else, it all adds up. But I still think it’s a reasonable price for having a really good time with some really great people.”
Held annually on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday, Artigras continues to grow and improve, even as shifting calendar dates add planning pressure.
But for Tomson-Hooper, the formula is working.
“You don’t see this party around the lake,” he said. “People come in and say, ‘This is so cool,’ and that’s exactly what we wanted — a cool vibe centered around the arts.”