Louisiana is a diverse state, split up into definitive regions separated by culture and history. Vernon Parish sits in No Man’s Land, the Neutral Strip, which is very different from Acadiana, New Orleans, French Settled Marksville, the Zydeco Plains of Ville Platte, etc. These areas are distinctly different in their music, language, customs, food and Art.
Two years ago, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District invoked ART OF THE EAT to highlight the diverse cultures represented in Vernon Parish due to the proximity of the military base here. They featured food from 18 different countries and cultures, all represented by residents of the area. This year ART OF THE EAT will highlight Food and Music from our area with Louisiana eats
Saturday, April 26, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN will host the event that will have a unique food offering, a whole roasted pig. This Cochon de Lait will be presented by a master of the skill, Randall Peart of Marksville, Louisiana. Beginning early that morning Randall will fire up the spit and begin turning the pig until the crackling and pork are ready for the evening. In addition to this Louisiana Regional dish, they will have fried catfish plates: Louisiana Catfish provided by the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board.
Roots, blues and regional live music will be provided that evening by the local band Whisky Dent. The musical entertainment is provided by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Let’s not forget the Art!
In the gallery that evening will be work by three internationally renowned artists. Anat Ronen, Tetiana Talanova and Alex Maksiov have produced large scale public murals across America, Europe and Asia. The gallery is excited to promote and present examples of their work and begin promoting the idea of murals in our town. We continue our international theme with these three artists, as Tetiana and Alex are Ukrainian and Anat is from Israel.
Tickets are now on sale at the gallery and from gallery members. There will be an open bar thanks in part to Mockler Distributors. Sponsors for ART OF THE EAT 3 are Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Vernon Parish Journal, Vicki Green/ Snowden-Word Insurance Agency, Mockler Distributors, Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board, Vernon Parish Tourism and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Access to the gallery for the Art Reception is Free and tickets to the ART OF THE EAT 3 are 25.00 in advance and 30.00 at the door. All ticket purchases are a donation to GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN and serve to support the Leesville Art Park and other Arts events in the area. Doors open at 5:00 on Saturday, April 26 at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville.