Spirits were high on Feb. 9 as the 4th annual ArtiGras Carnival celebration dazzled downtown Eatonton.
Presented by The Artisans Village, a local nonprofit organization specializing in bringing the arts to Lake Country, the Mardi Gras-themed festivities began at The Artisans Village Livery Studio with a mirrored dancer, living table, living statue and sculptures, signature cocktails and appetizers, fire twirling, artist demonstrations, and much more.
Chair of the planning committee, Sara Tomson-Hooper, led a team of board members and volunteers to pull together all the details, planning, and fundraising for more than 200 guests.
“We wanted to surprise and delight guests with something different and unexpected … so we really transformed the Livery Studio for cocktail hour with lights, décor, an artisan marketplace, and festive carnival entertainment for the major wow factor,” Tomson-Hooper said. “We couldn’t have done it without the generous support from sponsors and a dedicated team of volunteers.”
In true New Orleans fashion, hundreds of guests dressed in their most sparkly purple-and-green ensembles then paraded to nearby Barrel 118 on North Jefferson Avenue for the main event.
Through an evening filled with live music, artist demonstrations, performing arts, and more, the goal was to show how The Artisans Village brings art to life, not just for one night, but all year. The unique event raised not only money but awareness and togetherness for the arts.
Taylor Event & Floral Design poured creativity into the show-stopping floral décor and design, including a large flower frame for guests to take pictures under.
Meanwhile, performers from Gravity Entertainment, including stilt walkers who towered over the crowd and a mirrored disco ball dancer, gave the party a lively and exciting atmosphere. People were also encouraged to snap a photo with the performers as they walked throughout the building
Meanwhile, many guests mingled and examined paintings by local artists for a silent auction during ArtiGras. In contrast, others enjoyed performances by the Bogey and the Viceroy band, which kept everyone on the dance floor with an energetic set list.
The dinner menu kept with the New Orleans theme, too, as Kersey Catering served up Cajun crabcakes, red beans and rice, New Orleans jambalaya, and a smoked Cajun turkey carving station, along with a variety of side dishes.
All this was made possible by generous sponsors and many volunteers who donated hours of time and planning. Tickets to the much-anticipated event were sold out once again this year with money raised going to support future programming expansion and operational costs for The Artisans Village.
The next events will be the 2024 BIG little Project Reception on March 21 at The Artisans Village Art Gallery, followed by the opening reception for the 8th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show, June 20 at Barrel 118, and the 5th annual ArtiGras has already been scheduled for March 1, 2025
Additionally, many local and visiting artists will participate in plein air (outside) painting on April 27, during the Eatonton One Day Paint Out. The Artisans Village also offers art classes each month, plus special art exhibits and receptions featuring artwork from local artisans.
For more information on classes and special events, visit The Artisans Village online at theartisansvillage.org.