NEW ORLEANS – Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans (CAC) announced the debut of its new season of works and the relaunch of its signature sartorial summer soiree, White Linen Night: After Dark, taking place on Aug. 1 from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Now celebrating its 50th year, the Contemporary Arts Center will debut its new season of works with Idyll: Pleasures of Summer, which will be on display in its first floor galleries from August 1 through September.
“We’re very excited to debut this new season of programming, especially as we enter our 50th year of celebrating and showcasing local art and artists,” said Raelle Myrick-Hodges, the newly appointed executive director of the Contemporary Arts Center. “For the past 50 years, the CAC has worked to hold space and create opportunities for local artists. Starting our new season with Idyll is an assurance of our dedication and commitment to continuing the legacy of putting New Orleans artists first.”
Through figurative and abstract work, the CAC shares that Idyll reflects on notions of freedom, identity, family, community and belonging as experiences found in everyday life. Composed of photography, paintings and sculpted pieces, Idyll encourages observers to reconnect with themselves, others and the surrounding world. Idyll features works from 23 New Orleans artists, including Andre Hubbard, Ashley Teamer, Ayo Scott, Bradley Sabin, Brikarri Williams, Cristina Molina, Ed Buckles, Gina Laguna, Jacob Reptile, Jay McKay, Jourdan Barnes, kai lumumba barrow, Kara Crowley, Kelsey Scult, Mattie Hanson, Nurhan Gokturk, Pippin Frisbie Calder, Renee Royale, Rodney Woods Jr., Ruth Owens, Ryan Leitner, Trenity Thomas and Vee Adams. The exhibit also includes three special works from the CCH Pounder-Koné Collection.
White Linen Night: After Dark
After the Julia Street galleries have closed their doors, the CAC will continue the celebration of art and summer with White Linen Night: After Dark, the official after party for Fidelity Bank White Linen Night, from 9 p.m. to midnight in the St. Joseph Street warehouse.
With temperatures projected to average 90 degrees on Aug. 1, White Linen Night: After Dark will offer art patrons, creatives and others a welcome respite from the heat while also introducing them to an interactive art and dance experience. On display in the warehouse during the after party will be The Stories of Us Residency showcasing five “Talking Drums” – large-scale sculptures spanning 4’x7’. The sculptures come to the CAC following their spring/summer exhibition at Woldenberg Park and include: “Coincoin” by Annie Moran; “We are the Descendants” by Ashley Teamer; “Echos of the Spirit” by Ayo Scott; “Carry Us Home” by Monique Lorden; and “She Walks With Them” by Teneille Prosper.
The event will also feature complimentary all-natural vegan popsicles from Mockly Pops to cool patrons down after a hot day on the stroll; signature cocktail aptly named the White Linen; the DJ stylings of Pellow Talk followed by Legatron Prime; and unlimited restrooms and air conditioning. Top sponsors for this year’s White Linen Night: After Dark include AOS Interior Environments, Arts New Orleans, and Wall, Cook & Lewis, LLC. Other sponsors include Absinthia Bottled Spirits, Cocktail Kingdom, glblwrmng, The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, Luna Botanicals, Mockly, NOPSI Hotel, Pigeon Catering and Workin’ Water.
Tickets to White Linen Night: After Dark are $25 (with part of the proceeds benefitting ADNO) and can be purchased through Eventbrite; a $40 summer promotion is also available on Eventbrite that includes admission to the event and a one-year membership to the CAC.