This week's Art Talk Monday written by Jennifer Downs, NCLAC's Technical Writing Intern and LA Tech Graduate Student The North Central Louisiana Arts Council presents the 3rdAnnual ARToberfest from 5-9pm on Friday, Oct 5 at the Historical Firehouse, located at the corner of Mississippi and Bonner Street in Ruston. The theme for this year is “Celebrate the Craft,” and the evening will feature craft and commercial beers, catered food, and live performances by local musicians. Marsala Beverage has generously offered to sponsor the event and provide over 40 different beers for guests to enjoy, including many popular and familiar brands. The highlight of the night will be the home brewing competition, sponsored by local Ruston favorite Devine Wine and Spirits, where guests will be invited to sample over twenty beers from regional micro-breweries and vote for their favorite. The champion will receive a $500 cash prize and be crowned the “Devine Home Brewer.” Last year’s champion Jean Gourd will be defending his title against other local brewmasters and YOU will be judge!
This year’s ARToberfest offers a VIP ticket option for $35, which includes dinner and a commemorative pint glass in addition to beers and music. VIP guests may arrive at 5pm pm to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by local bakery and restaurant Rosemary’s Kitchen, who catered the event last year and was well received. General admission tickets are available for $15 and grant guests access to the live music and beer, starting at 6:30pm. Local musicians will play during the event, including The Reactors, Tranny DeVito, The Swinging Richards, and the ‘80s cover band Hair Nation. It will be a night to remember! Come join us for ARToberfest and have a great time with friends and neighbors, all while supporting your local arts programs. Ticket sales will be used to fund NCLAC’s 15th annual Holiday Arts Tour that is scheduled for November 15-18. The goal of the tour is to increase cultural tourism and visibility of the region’s talent. Due to state budget cuts, NCLAC relies on these ticket sales and donations from members of the community to continue to offer arts programs and cultural economy initiatives like Holiday Arts Tour for the region. By purchasing a ticket to ARToberfest and reserving your spot for a night of the beer-tasting and live music, you are helping to keep the arts alive!
Tickets are on sale now and are available at the Dixie Center for the Arts and Fine Line Art Supply. They will not be sold at the door, so don't delay! Call 255-1450 for more information. No one under the age of 21 will be allowed at the event.