5th annual BAC fundraiser will be a night of firsts
The Bossier Arts Council is shaking things up a bit.
The 5th annual ARTini Party will be a night of firsts – a new venue, new restaurants and a new year to claim top awards. ARTini is a popular social event served up with a twist.
The concept is simple – shake in a little imagination, stir in a lot of creativity and mix in some friendly competition. The end result is a fun-filled night to celebrate the arts.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a cocktail event with a funky spin,” Leigh Anne Chambers, Executive Director of the Bossier Arts Council, said. “It’s a wonderful night and a great excuse for getting dolled up and going out on the town with your friends.”
This year’s ARTini Party will be held Saturday, March 15, at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Bossier City. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and feature live music from Super Water Sympathy, auction and handmade centerpieces by local artists.
Restaurants are lined up and ready to serve their signature Martini or non-alcoholic beverage. Competing restaurants create unique martinis with hopes of taking home the award for “Judges Choice”, “People’s Choice”, and “Most Savory”.
“The competition between the restaurants is always fun to see,” Chambers said. “Each year, the restaurants come up with something new so the variety is always different. Our defending champs Ralph & Kacoos and Don Juanz are always on top of their game so it will be fun to see what happens.”
Other restaurants include Abby Singer’s Bistro, Ralph & Kacoo’s, Bella Fresca, Fatty Arbuckle’s, Texas Street Steakhouse, The Boot, Great Raft Brewing, Twine, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro and the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Raising Cane’s, Sonic and Pho Bowl.
As for the venue change, that is the result of ARTini’s success. The BAC reports that more than 700 people attended last year at Boomtown Casino & Hotel.
Their hope is the larger venue will accommodate a larger crowd, exceeding a 1,000 attendance goal.
ARTini is the BAC’s only fundraiser, which raised almost $40,000 last year alone. Just like attendance numbers, they hope to exceed that monetary total this year.
Proceeds from ARTini are used in a variety of ways, but strictly for enhancing the local arts community. This includes covering expenses for existing programs, making facility and space improvements, and even supporting local school programs (Project Art Supply) and other non-profit arts.
Local artist Lynn Laird, who designed the lively martini drinking octopus graphic, will be recognized as well as Landers, the new title sponsor, and Bob Robinson, this year’s Mover and Shaker award winner, for his long time support of the arts and the community.
“We are thrilled to take a moment to honor these individuals who are pillars of our creative community,” Chambers added.
Tickets to ARTini are $55 in advance and $65 at the door. The Horseshoe Casino and Hotel will provide heavy appetizers and a cash bar. iShuttle will be available for free pickup and rides home.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 318-741-8310 or purchase them online at www.bossierarts.org.
