‘Arti-Gras’ celebrates the holiday, benefits local arts council

February marks the beginning of “Arti-Gras” season in downtown Houma.

The monthly gallery set up by the Houma Regional Arts Council at the Wildlife Museum will take a unique twist, displaying works representing the best of Mardi Gras in South Louisiana.

Andrea Dupree-Cenac of the council said the idea came from a group in Colorado who held their own Arti-Gras. The Ken Caryl Art Guild, located just outside of Denver in Littleton, held a special show to raise money for the Houma Regional Arts Council after Hurricane Rita.

Artists created Mardi Gras masks for an ongoing show and after, the masks were sold. Admission fees and funds from sales were given to the council.

Dupree-Cenac said the council liked the idea and wanted to hold its own Arti-Gras, with a different focus. Now, local artists can enter work in a variety of mediumsnfrom sculpture to painting to photographynto convey the energy and movement that encompasses the Mardi Gras season.

The exhibit will run from Feb. 12 until Feb. 23 free of charge to the public, at the council gallery located within the Waterlife Museum in downtown Houma. Work must be submitted by Feb. 9.

“Anybody can enter work,” Dupree-Cenac said, age or expertise does not matter and work doesn’t have to be blatantly thematic. “It’s really the artist’s vision, if just a feather is incorporated into the piece or something like that, that’s fine.”

Artists can enter up to three pieces and a mask with a small entrance fee of $5. The fee will go toward a masquerade reception on Feb. 15. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., local art enthusiasts can enjoy the collectionnmingle with artistsnand possibly bid on their favorite piece.

“No one has to sell their work, but if someone is interested the reception will offer that chance for the artist and buyer to meet and talk,” said Dupree-Cenac.

Sale of the individual pieces will go back to the artist with one exception; any money generated from the sale of masks entered in the exhibit will be donated to the council.

Reception attendees should come in costume including masks of their own, said Dupree-Cenac, and anything goes.

“The stranger, the better,” she said.

For the ultimate Mardi Gras experience, moonpies and a selection of drinks will keep the event light and festive as masqueraders make their way through the gallery. As long as the weather cooperates, a jazz band will perform patio-side and a local dance company will perform traditional tribal dances.

“This is our first year doing Arti-Gras, but were really excited to host this event,” said Dupree-Cenac.

The Waterlife Museum is located at 7910 Park Ave. in Houma. For more information about Arti-Gras or to submit work, call the Houma Regional Arts Council at (985) 873-6367.