The Bossier Arts council is shaking up the local art scene with a recipe for the best m‘ART’ini in town.
ARTini is a fundraising event for the BAC filled with a night of live music, visual art, signature martinis...served with a twist. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, March 9, at Boomtown Casino beginning at 7 p.m.
Because it is their only major fundraiser, committee chairwoman Leslie Cantrell said they strive to make it bigger and better every year. This year is certainly no exception.
“We have new restaurants, great music and one of a kind martini glasses you won’t find anywhere but here,” Cantrell said. “Get your tickets early because you don’t want to miss this chance to support the arts.”
Money raised from ARTini supports programs at the East Bank Theatre, East Bank Gallery and ArtWalk. Jennifer Robison, Board President of the BAC, said it also funds Arts-In-Education in Bossier schools and a variety of classes and workshops available during the year.
“These funds support local artists as they grow – from elementary school and beyond,” Robison said. “Without this support, we wouldn’t have these available for public use. ARTini is a creative way to show support for the arts.”
ARTini attendees will sip on a selection of signature martinis from area restaurants and bid on original local art in silent auction form. Each restaurant is encouraged to be creative as possible with their cocktail creations with one exception — Dripping Springs Vodka.
In the spirit of fun, restaurants will be competing for overall titles – “Most Savory,” “Best Theme,” Best Martini,” and “People’s Choice.” Taking home the crowd vote last year was Ristorante Giuseppe from Shreveport with their Blood Orange and Chocolate Gelato-tini, a mixture of Caravella Orangecello, chocolate liqueur, Dripping Springs Vodka and a scoop of their homemade blood orange gelato shaken then topped with chocolate shavings and a touch of mint.
The BAC will honor Mike McSwain, the 2013 Bossier Mover and Shaker, feature original artwork by local pop artist Tony Reans and have live music from Soulfish Blues Band.
With more than 800 in attendance last year, ARTini is sure to be the social event of the season.
Tickets to ARTini are $45 per person in advance and $55 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 741-8310 or visit www.bossierarts.org.
