Mardi Gras in May Gala Kicks off Campaign for the Arts

Arts Alive - April 2021

Did you miss Mardi Gras this year? You’ll have another chance to celebrate in May at a gala to kick off a capital campaign for The Arts, Hancock County! 
 
 - by Steve Barney

Benefactor Mamie Hillery (center) with The Arts board members Steve Barney and Joan Coleman celebrating with a few of Carter Church's creations. photo by Ellis Anderson.

 The public is invited to join The Arts, Hancock County for an inaugural Gala officially kicking-off a capital campaign and to celebrate the new community Arts Center.

The Gala’s theme is “Mardi Gras in May” and will be held on Saturday, May 29 from 7 to 11 pm at the home of Mamie Hillery, 414 South Beach in Bay St. Louis. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled, unforgettable evening of Carnival revelry and Mardi Gras-themed specialty foods and treats. DJ Dave Mayley will be spinning hits to keep folks moving all night long.

Arts Alive
is sponsored by

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​Dress is casual, but costumes and all creative accessories are encouraged. The Mardi Gras theme is especially appropriate since the new Arts Center at 405 Blaize Avenue in the Depot District  is the location where the late Carter Church, renowned Mardi Gras costume designer, brought his art to life.
 
A silent auction will feature authentic Carter Church costumes and props and dozens of pieces of fine art and handmade items.   

Tickets are $125 per person. Each ticket includes food and one free drink ticket. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase at the event. All ticket sales and proceeds benefit The Arts, Hancock County, a 501(c)3 and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Tickets can be purchased online here.
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Mamie Hillery

​The purchase of the new Arts Center was made possible by a generous donation from New Orleans native Mamie Hillery. 
 
“Bay St. Louis needs a place to be the center of the art community, where everyone can grow some roots,” said Hillery. “It’s the opportunity for every aspect of art to be together.”  
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The building acquisition is the foundation of a capital campaign, “Arts 2.0: A New Building, A New Vision.” The campaign is focused on the development of the building as a multipurpose community arts facility that’s a center of community engagement and the delivery of programs and services. 
 
Current Arts president and architect John Anderson led the team at unabridged architecture to complete renovation plans including space for exhibits, art classes, workshops, meetings and much more.  
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