The 5th Annual ArtiGras Carnival

A CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS

Saturday, March 1, 2025 – SOLD OUT

The 5th Annual ArtiGras Carnival, a celebration & fundraiser for the Arts, paraded back into town on Saturday, March 1st. The Mardi Gras-themed festivities started at The Artisans Village Livery Studio with sparkling décor, 2 elaborate living tables passing out beads and wine, signature NOLA cocktails, passed appetizers, aerial dancers, an artist alley featuring live demos and fresh artwork, and much more. After cocktail hour in true New Orleans fashion, Bogey and The Viceroy band lead the “second line” of party revelers over to Barrel 118 for the main event.

ArtiGras provides an opportunity to showcase local talent, increase awareness of the many facets of The Artisans Village, and raise funds for continued program expansion. Through this enchanted evening filled with live music, artist demonstrations, performing arts, and so much more, the goal was to show the many ways The Artisans Village continues to elevate and showcase the arts not just for this one amazing event, but all year long.

Chair of the planning committee, Sara Tomson Hooper, once again led a team of The Artisans Village board/guild members and volunteers to pull together all the details, planning, and fundraising for over 200 guests. “We have to keep elevating the experience each year with new ways to surprise and delight our guests. Everyone loved the use of the Livery space last year, so we embellished the experience and expanded the cocktail hour…adding more twinkling lights, sequin décor, a bigger and better artisan marketplace, and new carnival entertainment for major wow factor. The generous support from sponsors and a dedicated team of volunteers made this show-stopping experience possible.”

Myrna from Taylor Event & Floral Design poured her creativity into the magnificent floral décor and design. Upping her game this year with elevated floral arrangements that filled the space with every shade of purple and vibrant greenery. The dinner menu kept up with the New Orleans theme. Kersey Catering served up Cajun crab cakes, red beans & rice, New Orleans jambalaya, a smoked Cajun turkey carving station, and a variety of side dishes. New this year Canopy Studio from Athens entertained guests with their graceful aerial dance and acrobatic feats of strength. The Arts Barn performers also sparkled as the living tables and costumed servers. Mark the Magic Man kept guests guessing with his tableside magic tricks and the Bogey and the Viceroy band brought the house down once again and kept everyone on the dance floor with an energetic set list.

All of this was made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers who donated many hours of time and planning. Tickets for this much-anticipated event were sold out once again this year. The money raised will go to support future programming expansion and operational costs for The Artisans Village.

If you were not able to attend this event, there are many other opportunities to get involved. The Artisans Village offers a variety of art classes, rotating art shows, and opening receptions featuring beautiful artwork from local artisans.

If you would like to sponsor ArtiGras or one of our other events, please complete the contact us form.

ArtiGras 2025 Sponsors

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for The Artisans Village please call the Gallery at 706-623-7757 or complete our online form. We are also seeking sponsors for our upcoming Art Reception Events at Barrel 118. There’s no better way to give back to the community than to support the Arts!

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

TABLE SPONSORS!

IN-KIND SPONSORS AND PARTNERS!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

To view the full gallery of amazing photos from Tracey and Martin Photography please click this link.

More Photos from ArtiGras 2025

Click on the thumbnail images to enlarge.

ARTIGRAS 2025 EVENT SCHEDULE:

Event Itinerary

5:30 – 7:00 – Cocktail Hour at the Livery Studio. We are excited to bring you new “elevated” entertainment from Canopy Studio out of Athens and Cloudbreak Acrobatic group from Florida. The transformed space will be a delight for your senses as you walk around the Artisan Night Market with live artist demonstrations. Two glamorous “Living Tables” will greet guests with glasses of red and white wine. Enjoy passed appetizers, signature New Orleans-inspired cocktails, a towering gourmet charcuterie board and a few other surprises.
7:00 – 7:15 – Parade! Join in the fun in true Mardi Gras/New Orleans style as we parade from the Livery around the building to enter through the front doors of Barrel 118 on Jefferson Avenue. Welcome to the Main Event!
7:15 – 11 PM – Dinner, Dancing, Dazzling Decor & More! Find your table and then head to the Silent Auction for the first look at the amazing items on display. Dinner service starts shortly after and features traditional New Orleans Creole dishes with a twist from Kersey Catering. Enjoy the sounds of the live band, Bogey & the Viceroy as they take the stage. You’ll be dancing all night long to their energetic, soulful sounds. Be sure to save room for dessert! Merci Cakes will be baking up some wonderful items including the requisite King Cake for a Mardi Gras party.