Events: Where Y’Art’s “Art on the Rocks” Series
Art on the Rocks, a weekly Thursday night art series presented by Where Y’Art and Whiskey Blue, W New Orleans continues Thursday, Jan. 9, in the Living Room at W New Orleans. The series is focused on establishing a relationship with and promotion of the local arts community to New Orleans residents, visitors and hotel guests. Where Y’Art’s mission is to build an infrastructure of support for local New Orleans artists, focusing on driving sales and opportunities to keep artists living and working in New Orleans.
Sponsored by Red Bull, Art on the Rocks features the work of three to four artists each month. And, every week, one artist from the monthly collection showcases and sells their work during the Thursday night happy hour. Whether it’s fashion design, paintings, sculpture, jewelry making or another form of art, locals and guests gain exposure to the different styles of art that flow through the city — all while having the opportunity to speak with the artists themselves. Along with the art installation, locals and guests can enjoy DJ-spun tunes, small bites and drink specials.
“Where Y’Art is thrilled to partner with W New Orleans and Whiskey Blue for this weekly art, music and cocktail series,” says Catherine Todd, founder and creative director of Whereyart.net, a new social shopping marketplace for local artwork. “W Hotel’s Living Room and Whiskey Blue are ideal, gallery-like venues in which local artists can show their work while connecting with both visitors and locals. At W New Orleans, lovers of art will be able to discover, follow and shop the art of our community.”wneworleans.com/artontherocks, whereyart.net
Shop: Fraques
Recently opened in the CBD at 821 Baronne St., Fraques offers a unique shopping experience with a collection of curated goods, apparel and books — all sourced with an eye on art, architecture, travel and design. Although the shop’s focus is on men’s apparel, its mission is to “empower individuals to create their own concept of life and liberty while in pursuit of their happiness” and a place where creativity and genuine personal service reign supreme. fraques.com
Lunch: Artz Bagelz
After hitting up Fraques, load up on delicious bagels, sandwiches, salads and schmears at Artz Bagelz. Also located at 821 Baronne St., this bagelry is brand new — a second location opened by husband-and-wife team Art and Kim Zacharczyk. The original Artz launched on Magazine Street more than two years ago, and the bagel business is booming. Although the Crescent City has a bounty of bakeries, Artz is in its own class as the only bagel-centered restaurant in the GNO area. The restaurant offers a wide variety of bagel flavors (onion, plain, sesame seed, poppy seed and everything) with rotating flavors, like blueberry, that sell out quick. Artz also features a variety of schmears, like Creole veggie, sun-dried tomato, jalapeño and pecan praline. Don’t forget the espresso … after all, what could be finer than a bagel and lox with a creamy cappuccino? artsbagels.com
Cheer: Allstate Sugar Bowl Football Classic
One of the most uniquely successful athletic achievements in the history of American sports, the Sugar Bowl has continuously played an enormous role in the athletic and economic viability of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. For starters, the bowl committee donated $800,000 to New Orleans City Park in 2006. These funds provided a big boost to the renovation of Tad Gormley Stadium, a primary location for scores of high school football games each year. The Sugar Bowl also annually sponsors the Manning Award (honoring the top collegiate quarterback in the nation) and the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. On Thursday, Jan. 2, at 7:30pm, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Alabama will face off at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the 80th annual Sugar Bowl right here in the Crescent City. allstatesugarbowl.org