New Orleanians have been celebrating the tradition of the Hancock Whitney White Linen Night for 25 years now. Year after year, art aficionados, collectors, and those who love a good outdoor soirée gather in the Arts District donned in white linen to celebrate the arts in New Orleans. But can you really imagine wearing anything else on a balmy Louisiana Saturday night? The annual summer art walk includes the Julia Street block party, gallery openings, and the celebration of the Open Call exhibition at The Contemporary Arts Center. This year’s exhibition theme is “Identity Measure” and explores identity as a complex entanglement of lived experiences.
White Linen Night was established in 1994 as a way to attract more people to the up-and-coming Warehouse District during the slow summer months. Over the years, participation and attendance have exceeded expectations. What began with 7,000 attendees during its inaugural year has now grown to attract over 30,000 people during White Linen Night. The annual anticipated event continues to be planned and executed by The Contemporary Arts Center and serves as a fundraiser for the museum.
Patrons can enjoy the festivities this year in its 25 installment on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., starting with the Julia Street Block Party, which features food and drink vendors, music, and strolling along Julia Street between galleries and parties. Participating galleries along Julia Street, the Contemporary Arts Center, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and The National WWII Museum will feature art openings with curated exhibitions.
Stop by the Auction House Market during White Linen Night to experience the CAC Cooldown Lounge at The CAC Green Room. The CAC VIP event includes two drinks, light bites, seating, air conditioning, restrooms, and complimentary tickets to the Hancock Whitney White Linen after-party. Entrance to the art-inspired VIP lounge costs $40 for members and $50 for the general public.
In conjunction with the art walk is the open call exhibition opening at the CAC. The theme entitled “Identity Measures” explores “identity as complex entanglements of lived experiences based on race, gender, ability, sexuality, and class.” The works of 23 artists have been selected by guest curator Dr. Jordan Amirkhani of American University.
After Dark, the official White Linen Night after-party starts at 8 p.m. for those who wish to continue the celebration, which is highly suggested. The party, which goes on until midnight, will feature the musical stylings of DJ RQ Away, “HI, DENTITIES!,” a curated drag performance by Vinsantos and the New Orleans Drag Workshop, late night bites, art experiences, and a cash bar. Admission is $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from the participating galleries and museums:
Ariodante Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery, 535 Julia St.
Ariodante White Linen Night Gallery Opening
Featuring works by George Alexander, Fredrick Guess, Hilario, Deborah Mansfield, James Strombotne, and Andrew Blanchard
Arthur Roger Gallery, 432-434 Julia St.
Exhibitions: As Luck Would Have It, Florida Noir, Night Shift
Featuring works by Demond Melancon, Amer Kobaslja, Brandon Surtain, and Leonard Galmon
Beata Sasik Gallery, 541 Julia St.
All That Glitters
Featuring works by Beata Sasik
Callan Contemporary, 518 Julia St.
New Sculptures
Featuring works by Key-Sook Geum
Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St.
CAC Open Call Exhibition: Identity Measures
Featuring works by Nicole Awai, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Chris Berntsen, Dawn Black, Paris Cian & Kelli Scates, Sarrah Danziger, Marianne Desmarais, Paige DeVries, Double Diamond, Abdi Farah, Sarah Hill, Kristina Knipe, Jessica Lagunas, Cora Lautze, Daniela Leal, Robyn LeRoy-Evans Cristina Molina, Gamil Nassar, REWA, Kaleena Stasiak, and Andy Thompson
Hall-Barnett Gallery, 614 Julia St.
Guess What…
Featuring works by Stacey Johnson, Paige DeVries, Jorge Lovato, Katie Mcmullin , Daisy Winfrey, Wendy Hill, John Wickersham, Kristen Woodword, Hooshang Khorasani, Ember Soberman, Ann Barnett, Elizabeth Bass, Randall Mosman, Christina Juran, Mike Howard, Jonathan Glynn, and Garland Tullos
Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, 400A Julia St.
Diffusion
Featuring works by Tony Dagradi
LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St.
“And Now for Something New” Vol 2
Artists TBD
Luna Fine Art Gallery, 727 S. Peter St.
YAYA Exhibit
Featuring works by Jourdan Barnes, Kara Crowley, Paul Wright and Quinton Gilmore
M contemporary, 612 Julia St.
Anniversary
Featuring works by George Alexander, Fredrick Guess, Hilario, Deborah Mansfield, James Strombotne, and Andrew Blanchard
Martine Chaisson Gallery, 727 Camp St.
New Work by Donald Martiny
Featuring works by Donald Martiny
The National WWII Museum
In Memory of What I Cannot Say: The Art of Guy de Montlaur
Featuring works by Guy de Montlaur
Octavia Art Gallery, 440 Julia St.
Regina Scully: The House I Live In
Featuring works by Regina Scully
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St.
Piercing the Inner Wall: The Art of Dusti Bongé
Featuring works by Dusti Bongé
Søren Christensen, 400 Julia St.
Group Work
Featuring works by Rose Thome Casterline, William Dunlap, Melissa Herrington, Karen Scharer, Brooke Shaden, and others
Stella Jones Gallery, 201 St. Charles Ave.
Modern Masters of the African Diaspora
Featuring works by Elizabeth Catlett, David Driskell, Hughie Lee-Smith, Samella Lewis, Gordon Parks, Michael Harris, Kevin Cole, Norman Lewis and more
