On Friday, Dec. 2, the Hammond Regional Arts Center held the Fine and Functional art exhibit. This was the first time they have held this since 2011. Throughout the show, attendees mingled while viewing and purchasing the art. Unlike other exhibits, viewers were able to purchase the art that night.
Annie Goodman/The Lion's Roar
The Hammond Regional Arts Center held an exhibit to display art including jewelry, baskets, scarves, ornaments and more.
Unlike other exhibits, Fine and Functional allowed viewers to purchase items and take them that night.
“Every December, what we like to do is do an exhibition where you can come and you get one of a kind handmade gifts for Christmas,” said Katherine Marquette, Executive Director of HRAC. “Usually, our exhibitions stay in place for the entire month that the show was running, but this show is a little bit different in that if you buy it tonight, or throughout the duration of the show, you take it with you that day.”
The exhibit was held Friday, Dec. 2 at HRAC in downtown Hammond.
Also featured at the exhibit was local author Karen Wallsten who had a table set up to sell and sign her new children’s book “The Adventures of Shiko and Walter” which tells the story of a friendship of a tree sprite, Shiko, and a dead water oak, Walter.
“I was at one time the executive director, a long time ago, at Hammond Regional Arts Center,” said Wallsten. “I have participated one other time. I am a retired school teacher and artist. I used to make mixed media paintings, and this book is combining my art and educational skills.”
A few of the artists incorporated Louisiana’s culture into their pieces.
“It’s interesting,” said Linda Ross, board member of HRAC. “It’s original. It’s extremely well priced which really surprises me. I like the fact that so much of it is functional, but the decorative pieces are just a lot of fun. They’ve obviously captured the local culture with the alligators and the Mardi Gras Indian art and, you know, New Orleans themes. I like that. It’s like local art. You can’t get this in other places.”
The Fine and Functional art show stands apart from other art shows with its casual atmosphere.
“Larger shows that we do, it’s got a different feel and look to it,” said Victor Zotti, board member of HRAC. “This is more homey feeling if that’s the right word. The stuff that they’re showing tonight is more useful as it were. Instead of just having a piece of art in your house, it’s something you can have a piece of art and do something with. That’s what this is all about.”
The art presented offered more than just beauty. It also came with a function.
“I think it holds its own,” said Ross. “I mean, I really enjoy it. I love the artwork and the sculpture and that kind of thing, but I love practical things that I can use in my house. Not just decorative or sit upon. I like the things I use every day to have a certain amount of art to it to give me a good feeling about seeing them or using them in my home.”
The show was to help fill Christmas lists with art.
“My goal for the show is to expose this community to the different types of art and a venue for them to purchase art to fill their Christmas list,” said Jerry Hymel, curator of the show.
For more information,visit hammondarts.org. For more on Wallsten’s book, visit shikoandwalter.com.
On Friday, Dec. 2, the Hammond Regional Arts Center held the Fine and Functional art exhibit. This was the first time they have held this since 2011. Throughout the show, attendees mingled while viewing and purchasing the art. Unlike other exhibits, viewers were able to purchase the art that night.
Annie Goodman/The Lion's Roar
CaptionOn Friday, Dec. 2, the Hammond Regional Arts Center held the Fine and Functional art exhibit. This was the first time they have held this since 2011. Throughout the show, attendees mingled while viewing and purchasing the art. Unlike other exhibits, viewers were able to purchase the art that night.
Annie Goodman/The Lion's Roar
