The Smiling Dog’s annual Art Night will be Friday, March 24, and is open to those 21 and older.
“The goal of Art Night is to bring artists and art lovers together to celebrate the beauty and creativity that all forms of art brings to this world,” Art Night coordinator Briel Edmonds said.
Art Night gathers a wide array of artists throughout the Baton Rouge community and a variety of art vendors selling everything from terrariums to poetry to oil diffusers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local vendors and buy unique, homemade items such as organic cannabis soaps, paintings and candles.
The focus of Art Night is not just on one or a few specific media, but on showcasing a plethora of Baton Rouge’s artists and art communities.
“This event exists to showcase the incredibly talented local artists that deserve a platform on which to share their work,” Edmonds said. “Baton Rouge needs to put more significance on the arts and so we want to propel that idea through this event.”
A belly dance performance by Bambi Pizzolato, owner and instructor at Violet Lotus Dance Studio, and her troupe will kick off the night around 9 p.m.
Live bands Alabaster Stag and Funkin’ Fierce will also be entertaining the crowd. Veterans of last year’s Art Night might recognize the latter.
Alabaster Stag will be a new addition this year, whose “soulful and bluesy tunes will put you on your feet and keep your bodies movin’,” according to The Smiling Dog’s Facebook page.
Two live artists will help keep the night animated.
Joseph Turpin, a University fine arts alumnus, and Victor Pierre LeBlanc will both be creating pieces on the spot throughout the night, which will be raffled off along with other works.
Art Night at The Smiling Dog is free and will last from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Smiling Dog's annual Art Night will be held March 24. Attendees will be able to purchase unique, handmade items from local vendors, like this cannabis soap by Austin Guidry.
