On Saturday, December 4th from 12 to 7pm the North Louisiana Arts Council will hosts artists, artisans, and musicians in a transformed arts market space located in the Norton Building, 207 W Mississippi Ave. Located in Ruston’s Downtown Cultural District, the Holiday Arts Market highlights the talent of unique makers and musicians that form the culture of north Louisiana. Area artists have been selected to display and sell their works of original, handmade items at an affordable price. Live music from regional acts will set the stage for a whimsical and cozy shopping atmosphere. There will be pictures with Santa from 12-2pm thanks to Ruston Main Street. Enjoy free themed kid's crafts and activities, story time, and fun for the whole family!
Kicking off the event at 12pm Frances Grafton will perform classic holiday arrangements on harp. Grafton is an accomplished pianist, organist, clarinetist, and harpist brought to the NCLAC stage by Trio’s of Ruston. At 1pm students from the Grambling State University Music Department led by gospel artist Michael K’von will perform. At 1:30pm the Louisiana Tech Choral Department will perform a medley of carols accompanied by Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education, Aaron Knodle. Both student ensembles are supported by the Rotary Club of Ruston. At 2pm blues duo Buddy Flett and Bill Deese will perform thanks to Experience Ruston. Flett is a Grammy nominated blues musician who has written and performed for Percy Sledge, David Egan, Tab Benoit, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Otis Clay, and more.
At 3pm Hardrick Rivers and the Rivers Revue Band will perform on the NCLAC stage made possible by Century Next Bank. Rivers is an annual headline performer at the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. He was inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center’s Hall of Master Folk Artists in 2001. In 2017 he was recognized by the Lt. Governor of Louisiana and the Louisiana Folklife Commission as a Louisiana Tradition Bearer.
On stage at 4pm is Monroe-based jazz guitarist Josh Love and Twin City Jazz band. Made possible by Experience Ruston, Love and his jazz trio brings a new groove to the Louisiana jazz scene. At 5pm saxophone soloist Curtis Mills will perform thanks to Origin Bank. Mills is a member of known regional brass bands Total Choice and Windstorm from Shreveport, Louisiana. Mills’ smooth sounds and lulling melodies charm every listener. Wrapping up the market at 6pm is funk and RnB artist Mr. TaylorMade. Talented in playing keyboard, talk box, drums, bass, guitar, and vocals, this multifaceted artist is brought to the stage by Experience Ruston and Durrett Law & Title.
Artist vendors include: Art Daddy Kels, Ashley Alford, Athena Scott Art, Bailee Golden, Benicia King with 9ëfer, Caroline Jones Art, Christiane Drieling, Concepts By Noelle, The Courtlyn Collective, Creative Exchange, Dixon Designs, Fleur de Lou Creations, French Puff Handcrafted Jewelry, Hannah Gumbo, HB Lettering Co, Jessica Horne Artist, Joy Works Paintings, Katelyn Marie Customs, Kordal Handmade, Linda Moss Art, Lincoln Parish Talented Arts Students, LouisianaCat, Madcow Designs, Mariel Davenport, Mars the Artist, Matthew Knopps, Molly Engen, Morgan Roque, North Forty Woodworks, Paige Powell Design, Paperglaze Calligraphy, Pastry Moon, PLOID, Pristine Beadsman Creations, Ruston Artisans, Ruston Community Theater, Six Arrows Jewelry Co., and Teal Annie Home Goods.
Food from RNL Cookery Corner food truck will be on site for a taste of authentic African/Caribbean cuisine fused with American fare. For dessert, grab a baked good from Second Round Bakery. Hot chocolate and Coffee will be available from Common Goods Co. Further warm up your night with a glass of wine made possible by Marsala Beverage.
For more information on the market visit nclac.org/arts-markets.
Written by Madeline Marak, Executive Director