Going on 10 years and Art Melt is still the king of art events in the Capital City, billed as the largest multimedia juried art exhibit in the state. What that means for you is a chance to get gussied up in breathable but classy fabrics—it’s a hot July evening after all—and head downtown for live music, food, an arts market, and of course, a huge showcase of eclectic and talented Louisiana artists. Here’s what you should know about this year’s event:
Art Melt brings out a who’s who of Louisiana artists. But there are always a few up-and-comers who end up wowing the crowd and the judges, like LSU grad Kimberly Bates, who won the Forum 35 Select award last year for her lush, abstract painting, “Serenity.” The event is a good primer on who to watch in the local art scene.
It’s going to be hot, but you knew that already. It’s a classy nighttime art event, but it’s also an indoor-outdoor kind of thing. Dress appropriately.
And we’re not just talking the music at the outdoor stage. The gallery space and lobby of the Louisiana State Museum will be packed with the racket of revelers, so don’t plan on an uninterrupted conversation about art and the human condition while browsing works. Embrace the ruckus and be social.
Did we mention the crowds? You’ll undoubtedly have fun and meet interesting people, but you probably won’t get to see everything there. Plan ahead to attend the swanky preview party the night before. Tickets are $75, $60 for Forum 35 members, and feature catered food and a performance from the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. You can also check out the works hanging in the State Museum in the weeks after the event and take your time browsing the collection.
Music will be happening on the main stage on Fourth Street, featuring Bedlamville Triflers, Captain Green, Hazy Ray and The Scorseses. On the State Museum grounds, under the atrium, inside and everywhere else, you’ll find performances from Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, a poetry slam, tribal belly dancers, break dancers, musical theater and more. You’ll be able to try your hand at art on a graffiti wall. Food trucks will be lining Fourth Street as well, and dozens of art vendors will set up shop in the area for the largest art market the event has yet to hold.
Trying to find a parking spot downtown during a big event is always a hassle. And after Art Melt is over, you will probably want to head over to Third Street for drinks and small plates. Recognize that the State Museum is next to the Capitol building and most of the downtown hot spots are five or six blocks away. Find some middle ground. Your feet will thank you at the end of the night.
Art Melt Preview Party
(ticketed event)
Friday, July 19 • 7-11 p.m.
Art Melt Opening Day
(free to the public)
Saturday, July 20 • 5-10 p.m. artmelt.org
A unique addition this year, the LSU Museum of Art is hosting an invitational exhibit to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Art Melt, featuring new works from past winners and a look at the history of the event. “For a lot of people, this was a big launching point for them,” says Fairleigh Cook Jackson, the LSU museum’s associate director of development. The exhibit opens July 12 and continues through September. lsumoa.org
Each year, a local, regional and national juror all assess the artwork submitted to name a winner. Here are the three women who will make the final decision.
