The Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) will be hosting its third annual Art in April with Champagne on Friday, April 20. The event is a celebration of culture and art which will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Hammond. It will also feature live music, photography and champagne.
Downtown Hammond was certified as a cultural district in 2009, which allows the vending of art without state or local taxes. Following the certification, April became designated as art month and Art in April was developed. The DDD sponsors Art in April along with two other events that support merchants, attract artists and put tax dollars back into the city through beautification projects and attractions.
“Our job is to get guests from one business to another and have fun doing it,” said Terry Lynn Smith, DDD executive director. “Businesses will be open looking for customers and guests.”
Downtown merchants will participate in a champagne cocktail challenge in which they will provide cocktails with creative titles for the guests. The participants will taste samples and vote for their favorite beverage. The winner will be recognized as the evening’s best cocktail and local artist Bruce Hume will paint the front of their business. The Champagne tasting challenge wristbands include a champagne tasting flute as a souvenir.
“You must be 21 or older to participate in the purchasing of a wristband and participating in the champagne cocktail challenge,” added Smith. “If you want to be able to drink, you will be ID’d and are required to purchase the $20 wristband. Wristband stations are located at the DDD office #2 West Thomas.”
Adron Mayeaux, Ty Fhaoni and a variety of businesses will offer live music for guests to enjoy as they observe and purchase art from exhibits.
Selected by the Hammond Art Guild, George Rodrigue will be highlighted through his exhibits at the Hammond Regional Art Center. There will also be 24 local artists displaying their work for sale in several businesses in the area.
While over 33 businesses will be participating in the event, La Carreta is the main sponsor. Brochures are available in all participating businesses in downtown Hammond. Hot August Night and Starry November Night are two other major events sponsored by the DDD that will follow Art in April.
For more information on Art in April with Champagne visit www.dddhammond.com or contact the DDD at 985-277-5680. Further material on Art in April is available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artinapril in addition to a complete listing of events sponsored by the DDD at www.facebook.com/hammondDDD.