Baton Rouge citizens will have a chance to brighten up their homes for the holidays while at the same time supporting displaced artists and the Baton Rouge Gallery. The gallery began its “Silent Night” exhibition and art sale Nov.1. The exhibit features members of the gallery and artists from New Orleans who were affected by the hurricane and invited to participate. The exhibition will run Tuesdays through Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. until Dec. 1. Amelia Cox, the executive director of the gallery, said the exhibition will feature approximately 40 pieces of art from 20 to 30 artists. Artists from New Orleans, who suffered losses due to the hurricanes, were invited to display and sell their art for the duration of the exhibition. In addition to the exhibition, the Gallery also hosted a silent auction Wednesday, Nov. 2. Cox said the auction featured 25 pieces of art and gift certificates from Hello Sushi, T.C. Dance International and Cottonwood Books. Danny Plaisance, the owner of Cottonwood Books, said he always tries to donate and support the gallery, even if it is only with gift certificates. “It’s not huge,” Plaisance said. “But it’s something.” Plaisance said he likes to donate to the gallery – he is a “dues-paying member” – because in addition to art, they also have programs in support of literature. Cox said the auction proceeds will benefit the general operations of the Baton Rouge Gallery, which is supported by BREC, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and donations from the community. Cox also said non-members being invited to display in the annual group member show is a rare occurrence Clifton Webb, an artist from New Orleans, considers himself a mixed-media sculptor. Webb said he works with metal, wood and steel to create his art. Webb’s studio was right outside the French Quarter, so when the city flooded, he had to leave much of his work behind. But Webb said his work suffered very little damage. “Compared to most, the damage I suffered was quite minimal,” Webb said. Webb said he was invited to participate in the exhibition by a gallery member and is grateful that he was allowed this opportunity. He said this is the first time he has displayed his work in the Baton Rouge Gallery, but he is planning on staying in Baton Rouge for a while. Webb also works as the Arts Relief Program Coordinator for the Arts Council. As the coordinator, he works on and plans programs for the Council. One such program offers art classes to people who were displaced by the hurricane so they can use art to express themselves. Webb plans on staying in Baton Rouge, and after he returns to New Orleans, he still plans to do work with the Arts Council. He said this is a good way for New Orleans artists to become involved with the Baton Rouge art scene, and vice versa.
“There should be some sort of synergy between Baton Rouge and New Orleans,” Webb said.
 
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