I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who attended our open house/ pop up gallery Friday November 21st, during White Light Night. The event was a huge success. So much so that we are trying to organize another one! The purpose was to showcase not only the house, but also five local Baton Rouge artists. The idea came from the always brilliant and amazing Bryan Carbo. It so happened that the property owner was doing an open house that was situated perfectly in the White Light Night stretch. I do need to mention that we were in no way affiliated with White Light Night, but in the future would like to become a part of that wonderful event.
There was enough space for each artist to have their own room, and spread out throughout the shared spaces as well. After everything was hung, each room looked amazing and each had it’s own gem to showcase. If I had to choose a theme for this show, I would choose the hidden treasures of Baton Rouge. Of course we had something no one else had during White Light Night. This was the debut of Samantha Sanders to the Baton Rouge art community.
Samantha is 7 1/2 years old. She has been taking art lessons from me for a little over a year now. She had never before been in an art show, or even been to one. I can’t express how proud I am of her. I’m pretty sure she sold more work then the rest of us! How can you say no to an adorable 7 year old?
I was located in the first room, and I had work spread out around the home as well. I got to greet everyone as they walked in. Which, if you know me, you know my favorite thing to do is talk to people! I had a collection of my work from over the years. I hadn’t had time to produce new work for this show. I went with a retrospective theme for my room. It helped me to take a look at how my work has developed over the years. And to be able to share that idea with everyone who attended.
From the moment you stepped in the home your eyes were immediately drawn to a painting hung on the back wall of the next room. People drifted through the first to see it, and I know why. That room was Antoine “Ghost” Mitchell and his lovely wife Erica “Ayxa” Williams. Antoine inspired us all with his paintings depicting goddesses and cosmic love. The one that stood out in particular for me, was a painting of a girl with dreadlocks, but the dread locks feel like tree roots. The piece, entitled “Roots”, is available for sale on his website. Erica, who gives the best hugs, was set up to the left with a table full of handmade jewelry. Her cowrie shell and feather earrings are also available through Antoine’s website. The two will have a booth at Wizard Con New Orleans this year. Stop by and see them! I know I will.
Last but certainly not least was Peg Bologna. If you came I hope that you grabbed a business card from her. Peg creates beautiful, textural work, and jewelry. Her rosaries made from roses are something you might want to pick up for your family members. Her large texture pieces are layers of shellac, glass and paints. Peg was found in the middle of it all, in the center room. I wanted to buy so many of her pieces, but I have to make a little more money first!
The house itself is gorgeous. I want to rent it! It was the perfect place to hold this event. There were enough rooms for each artist to have their own space. The layout made for a easy flow through the house. I like to think that our work highlighted some of the best parts of the home. I might be a little biased on that idea though.
Special Thank You’s go out to Bryan Carbo, for setting this all up and helping us hang our work. Richard Raynie, for allowing us to use his space and making sure the event was adequately supplied. Mary Sanders and Peggy Bologna, for without whom we wouldn’t have been able to feed or provide a wine buzz to anyone.
And of course to everyone who came and bought art, or didn’t! It couldn’t have happened without you and we hope to see you at the next one.
Unfortunately some of the pictures are good and some are really fuzzy. Next show we will have to get a photographer to join us.