4 minute read
13 for the 13th
Written by Abigail Fischer
Cork And Creations
Louisiana Watercolor Society will host an evening of Art and Wine at Hammond’s Jacmel Inn
On October 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., the Louisiana Watercolor Society will benefit from the first ever “13 For the 13th”, event at Jacmel Inn in Hammond. Wine and art enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and indulgence.
Founded in 1968, LWS is a close, uplifting art group focused on supporting current and future visual artists. 13 for the 13th will showcase various Louisiana artists, their art, and there will be a plethora of wines to sample.
Owner of Jacmel Inn, Alfonso Flores, is hosting the to-do and has curated wine vendors as well as providing the food and hors d’oeuvres, giving guests the opportunity to journey simultaneously through the culinary and visual arts.
In recent years, the group has extended “watercolor” to include various water-based media: this now includes watercolor paints, acrylics, gouache, egg tempera, and ink. One of the artists occasionally uses coffee for paintings.
Organizer, Master Gardener, retired photographer (and she says ‘sometime’ artist) Margaret Hawkins shared her fondness for her fellow artists. “This group is so interesting. You get to know them and realize how broad their backgrounds are. I hope the people who come to this event will chat with them and get to know some of their history.”
Two of the artists have Ph.D. degrees related to math and computer science, one was the pilot of Marine One for President Ronald Reagan, a retired architect, a New Orleans Art Academy faculty member, a wildlife artist, teachers, and all participating have won numerous awards, including international. The group’s president recently won the prestigious River Road Show in Baton Rouge, and several members received ribbons.
Having the fundraiser will hopefully expand the workshops and classes the LWS supports as well as a new website, and help create a scholarship for visual artists. LWS hosts four annual shows: a spring show in the Louisiana State Archives building; a summer show at Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond; the winter show at Christwood in Covington (this year from November 4 – January 3); and the International Exhibition held at Place St. Charles in New Orleans. All are open to the public.
From 4 PM until the auction, guests will have time to visit the artists and the wine vendors who will have neighboring spaces. Starting at 6 PM, there will be a live auction of art donated by well-known artists across the state. The thrill of the auction will add an element of excitement to the event. “The bidding for the art should be robust and competitive,” Hawkins said. “None of that silent auction stuff! This will be a FUNd-raiser.”
Prices? That always varies, but pieces will range from Christmas cards to affordable prints in mattes to high-end original framed artworks. Auction items are expected to start at $100.
Guests will pay a $20 entry fee and participants over 21 will receive a Jacmel bracelet that covers the wine and food.
The artful affair promises to be an unforgettable event where art enthusiasts and wine lovers can be together to celebrate “the good things.” Mark your calendar for Friday the 13th of October and prepare to indulge in fine art, fine wines, and a warm community celebrating good things in Jacmel Inn’s intimate courtyard.
For information about the LWS, to join or donate, contact louisianawatercolorsociety.org. or hawkinsemgee@gmail.com.
