When the words “art exhibit” are mentioned, we think of a building where people pay money, enter and view works that are neatly placed within the space. At alternative pop-up art festival “artHASAHOME,” there’s no reason to enter any building.
During a trip to Chicago, photography senior Patrick “Melon” Dufauchard went to a similar event where artists from all over the city showcased their work in a small, personal environment. He took the idea and brought it back to Baton Rouge. He held the first “artHASAHOME” in his apartment in July 2013.
“We took all of the furniture out of my apartment,” Melon said. “It started off with a few friends and some art we made, and it grew into a block party with a band playing,”
During the first “artHASAHOME,” Melon said two men approached him saying how that night was their first art experience, and they wanted more. In January 2014, he had the opportunity to hold a second “artHASAHOME.” The owner of the Bible and Book Center on Government Street attended the first event and invited Melon to hold a second one inside the store. This event attracted even more people than the first through word of mouth and social media.
Melon said he felt the fall semester would be a perfect time to hold a third “artHASAHOME” and try to make it even larger. He has partnered with sponsors like the LSU College of Art and Design and The Healthcare Gallery on Brentwood Drive to relieve the financial burden of these events.
Previously, Melon paid for the space, lighting and other components. He said there isn’t a monetary profit for him, and he refuses to ask for money to view the displayed works.
“I talked to my mom a few days ago, and she said I need to make money from things like this,” Melon said. “I don’t want to charge people for something they enjoy.”
One of the goals of this installment of “artHASAHOME,” is to keep the crowd mobile at all times. To do that, Melon said he will place most of the art outside of The Healthcare Gallery. Vendors and artists will also be selling products and artwork.
“We have a lot of LSU students involved this year,” Melon said. “We’re bringing in a bounce house too.”
Another “artHASAHOME” goal is teaching the Baton Rouge community about what is “pure in art.” Melon said only true artists will be at the event because they are dedicated to expressing themselves.
“We have to support our friends and neighbors that follow their passions,” Melon said.
Melon said hopes to have an art show with his own works in his apartment after this event. For now, Melon is gathering the submissions from the 30 artists who have entered pieces in the “artHASAHOME” show. He said he hopes people start to show more of an interest in art after the event.
“In order for people to continue doing what they love, people have to invest in them,” Melon said.
“artHASAHOME” will be at The Healthcare Gallery tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
You can reach Joshua Jackson on Twitter @Joshua_Jackson_.