BAC’s Artini in its 15th year celebrating the arts

Dolly Parton had a coat of many colors, but you only need one color to get in the spirit of ARTini 2025.

“(Attendees) are encouraged to dress in a monochromatic color,” said Brittainy Pope, executive director of the Bossier Arts Council (BAC). “Choose a color that makes them want to move. A color that makes them want to have fun. A color that makes them want to dance and have an amazing time.”

ARTini, in its 15th year as an annual celebration of art — visual, performing and culinary — will be on Saturday, June 14, from 7-11 p.m. at LIVE! Casino Hotel in Bossier City. Tickets are $90 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature martinis, live music (featuring a local band and a local DJ), games, art exhibitions and a silent auction.

The theme of this year’s event is “On the One!”

“It was chosen after listening to some vinyl records and different artists shout out ‘On the One!’ or ‘Jamming on the One!’” Pope explained. “We wanted to be able to celebrate music. Celebrate sound. However, we also considered what that means aesthetically. What does that look like, On the One! We began to think about monochromatic color. Monochromatic color is the use of a single color, multiple shades, to be able to create art. You can dress monochromatically. You can do décor monochromatically. We wanted to choose something that had potential to be fun, but also something simple, so individuals wouldn’t have to plow as hard to find their look for that night.”

As its name implies, ARTini is a mix of art and cocktails (or mocktails, for those who don’t drink alcohol).

“We have 15 of our local restaurants and bars that will be competing for bragging rights,” Pope said. “They can win one of three awards, or they can sweep all three. There is a People’s Choice, there is a Judge’s Choice and a Most M’artisnal. That is an award decided by the judges. It takes into consideration the appearance, in addition to the palate experience they have with the beverage.”

Eric Francis is ARTini’s featured artist. Each year, an artist whose work embodies creativity, innovation and excellence in the visual arts is chosen. The featured artist’s work is used to promote ARTini. Francis is a New York native and director of Southern University’s Museum of Art in downtown Shreveport.

“Being named the featured artist for ARTini is deeply meaningful to me, not just as an artist, but as someone who has grown through the support of this community,” Francis said. “The (BAC) has played a vital role in encouraging my creative journey and giving me a platform to share my work.”

“We wanted someone who could speak to color,” Pope said. “Someone who makes a wonderful use of color in their technique. We wanted someone who plays with realism. What he does with realism, you almost have to get up on it to know it’s a painting. That’s how fantastic he is when it comes to detail. Eric really stood out.”

Pope and the BAC had many artists from which to choose. When she asked Francis if he would be this year’s featured artist, Francis’ reaction convinced Pope she had made the right choice.

“He immediately got excited. I could see the wheels turning. When that happens when you tell an artist something, you need to go with that artist.”

ARTini is BAC’s yearly major fundraiser.

Money from the event supports BAC’s mission, which Pope said includes programming for the public, supporting artists who are BAC members, supporting art education in public, private and homeschool environments, and the East Bank Theatre.

“Our goal is to be able to provide accessible artistic experiences and instruction to both youth and adults.”

In an ever-changing world, Pope believes there is not only room for the arts in Bossier. She thinks the room is getting bigger.

“Bossier is emerging and evolving. As any space evolves, the world and the environment around it has to evolve. You begin to form your cultures. You begin to form your subcultures. Art is just a part of a subculture of this parish. We are one of a few art organizations on this side of the river, but we are working with those who are seeking to bring those wonderful art experiences to individuals who not only live on this side of the river, but also to those who frequent this side of the river.”

Pope said the BAC headquarters is a stop for many visitors and the men and women stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Eric Francis is ARTini’s featured artist.

“We are part of an evolving space — a growing space. We make sure to provide the programs and maintain the space for those individuals who are coming, whether they’re our neighbor, or they’re coming from afar.”

To learn more about ARTini, you may visit bossierarts.org.