Artists are putting the “Art” in Artoberfest
Artists are taking front stage of this year’s ARToberfest fundraiser put on by the North Central Louisiana Arts Council. Starting in 2010 as a gathering of beer enthusiasts that wanted to raise money for the arts, ARToberfest raises funds for NCLAC's programming, such as the Summer Arts Camp, Holiday Arts Market, Independent Film Series, Peach Art Exhibit, the Outside Show, Art Outreach, and more. NCLAC is looking forward to celebrating being back together by raising funds, and a glass, for the arts on Friday, October 15th at the Ruston Farmers Market.
This year’s ARToberfest will focus on bringing local artists, musicians, food and culture to the forefront. Artists Keldrick Dunn and Maryam El-Awadi will present live painting demonstrations and auction off their artwork to the highest bidder during the event. Designer Todd Maggio will be screen printing custom designed temporary tattoos onto willing event-goers. Printmaker Frank Hamrick will be letterpress printing a limited edition of event postcards. Music by Second Hand Jacket funk-rock band, Da Drum Shed brass jazz band, Jade Reynolds singer-songwriter, Louisiana Tech second line band, and Louisiana Tech Music Industry students will perform live throughout the night. Specialty beer-fest themed food will be available for purchase by the Heard Freighthouse Foodpark.
Adding to the local flair is Ruston’s very own Utility Brewing. The business started after homebrewers Karl Puljak and Cassidy Keim saw the area’s interest in craft beer after participating in Artoberfest for many years. This year, Utility Brewing is offering a special VIP experience for Early Bird ticket holders to enjoy a pint on their patio, 206 N Vienna Street, from 5-6:30pm during Artoberfest while listening to live music and sampling tasty pastries by Paul Tran the Baker Man.
Now evolved into a beloved Ruston event, ARToberfest draws supporters from all over north Louisiana to sample a great selection of homebrewed, craft, and commercial beers. ARToberfest is registered as a certified beer tasting event under the national Beer Judge Certification Program. Homebrewers hand out samples of their specialty-made beers as entry into the tasting competition. This year’s homebrewers are Gary Baker with Hermitage Road Brewing, Stephen Merrill with Storyline Brewing, Logan Slade, Navneet Sharma, Chuck Murphy, Mark Pellittieri, Richard Hargis, and Ryan Nestrud. Beer tastings will also be available from Utility Brewing, Great Raft, Flying Tiger, Seventh Tap, Marsala Beverage, International Wines & Spirits, and Choice Brands.
Tickets are now on sale for $45 for Early Bird entry at 5pm and $35 for General Admission entry at 6:30. Thank you to our amazing sponsors this year: Divine Wine & The Keg Package, Ruston Animal Clinic, Dr. Navneet Sharma, Ensure Agency, Experience Ruston, Fine Line Supply, The Selfie Stop, Buie Photography, Heard Freighthouse Foodpark, Stephens Media Group, 1620 Essentials, Log Cabin, Danni Jones Physical Therapy, Imperium Weightlifting & Fitness, Legends 32 Cigar and Vape, 2High Trampoline Park, Chartreuse Pear, Ponchatoulas, and Champs. Visit nclac.org/artoberfest or follow the ARToberfest Facebook account at facebook.com/artoberfest to get all the event updates.