Under the neon glow of jellyfish-shaped lights, local artists are getting the chance to meet and greet in a new kind of environment.
Hosted at Rock-n-Sake Bar & Sushi on Perkins Road, Fashion. Art. Soul. Earth. is an art-centric networking mixer held every Wednesday through Oct. 6 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
F.A.S.E. aims to provide a fun professional environment for both new and experienced artists to meet, view local art and make connections. The premiere event on Sept. 1 included a midnight fashion show, energetic music provided by a disc jockey and the work of various artists on display.
Because Baton Rouge has few outlets for artists to express themselves, F.A.S.E. was created as a new avenue for emerging talents to develop, said Amanda Johnson, event coordinator.
Johnson, who graduated from the University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business in entrepreneurship in August, designed the mixer to cater to artists searching for connections in Baton Rouge.
“The goal would be for the talented artists to receive maximum exposure,” Johnson said. “[F.A.S.E.] isn’t like other nightlife. Patrons get to enjoy music and partying, but they also get to see each other and see the artwork.”
Katie Knoeringer, painting and drawing graduate student, was one of the artists whose work was displayed at the premiere. Knoeringer got involved when Johnson contacted University art students to find people interested in showcasing their work.
The mixer could be a valuable tool for more students in the University’s art program, Knoeringer said.
“Art students get really excited about any kind of chance to have people see their work,” Knoeringer said. “The more people you know and the more things you get involved with improve your chances of getting your work seen.”
Johnson said University students and art professionals in the community are encouraged to attend and share their ideas and experiences.
“It’s an opportunity for LSU students still in school to meet local artists. They need to know other people are doing the same things. It’s also an opportunity for local artists to meet [University students],” Johnson said.
Hannah Armstrong, studio art freshman, said meeting with people is a good way to share work and learn to perfect techniques.
“It’s really nice to meet people who can teach you new things,” Armstrong said. “Together, artists can share materials, help with potential clients, help each other find out what the market is like and how to sell yourself as an artist.”
Networking is an important part of an artist’s business, Johnson said.
“I think it’s good for artists of all genres to come together,” she said. “Rather than being competitive, they need to unite. It can only grow from here.”
—-
Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]