Second Saturday Happenings- We’re Putting Art Back in Second Saturday ArtWalk

April 13, 2024

Over the past 31 years, the monthly art walk has become one of the most popular events in the region. Old Town stays lively all day, with many merchants and restaurants offering specials. 

​The pace picks up from 4–7 pm, when gallery openings and live music keep the streets humming with activity. ​

April is a celebration of our local artists and craftspeople.  We’re Putting Art Back in Second Saturday ArtWalk by featuring some of the area's brightest stars.​

Artist Sarah Harrison

Sassy Bird Interiors - 122 Court Street

​Louisiana native Sarah Harrison will be April’s featured artist for Second Saturday’s Art Walk. Her need to create was evident at an early age to all, as she could not be found without crayons, paper, or string, making something new out of whatever she could find. This practice remained with her throughout her school years and remains with her today.
 
Sarah finds peace in making beautiful things. Some of her favorite subjects are our majestic southern oaks, native magnolias, and other flora and fauna. Sarah also delights in painting animal portraits, often commissioned as gifts. As a child, Sarah chose to spend her money on polymer clay to make Millefiori beads. This is certainly what led to her interest in creating jewelry. Sarah is self-taught and is grateful that her parents encouraged and supported her artistic interests. Her art can be found at Sassy Bird Interiors, and they are delighted that she will be part of bringing art back to the art walk this April.

Sticks in the Water, 14 X 11 watercolor by Mary Ann Mays

 
Gallery 220 - 220 Main Street
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Local artist Mary Ann Mays will be showcased as the featured artist during the month of April and at April’s Second Saturday Art Walk.
Gallery 220 artists have done it again! The gallery’s “Useful Beauty” exhibition will showcase one-of-a-kind art on historical slate tiles. Using their unique talents, the artists designed extraordinary pieces. Join them for cocktails and an exhibition of these artworks from 4-6 pm on Saturday, April 13. Gallery 220 is located on the corner of Main and Toulme Streets, two blocks from the beach.

Second Saturday ArtWalk is also when our artists bring in new works of art in their unique genre. Please join us for the start of your evening and you won’t be disappointed.

Don't miss Arts Alive! this weekend at the Bay St. Louis Community Center.

 
Social Chair- 201 Main Street

Permanent Jewelry by the ladies of Helen Marie from 3-6 pm
 
The Arts, Hancock County - 405 Blaize Ave.
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ARTS ALIVE! Hancock County’s Premier Art Festival takes place this weekend, April 13-14, 10 am-5 pm. The music, visual arts, culinary arts, and theater of the Gulf Coast come alive for an unforgettable, family-friendly experience that is bigger and better every year. This year the FREE event will span both weekend days and feature multiple performance stages. Find the full details HERE. #ArtsALive

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April's Hot Spots are Gulf Coast Home, 317 Ullman Avenue; Rags to Riches, 200 S. Beach Boulevard; and The Porch, 112 South Second Street. Read more about these featured businesses below!

​- Story and photos by McKenzey Northington

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Gulf Coast Home
317 Ulman Avenue, BSL | (228) 344-3146
Closed Mon-Wed; Thurs-Sat 10 am – 5:30 pm; Sun12 – 4 pm

 
Nestled on charming Ulman Avenue in Old Town Bay St. Louis, Gulf Coast Home exudes coastal elegance and sophisticated living. This April 13, Gulf Coast Home is poised to celebrate Second Saturday in grand style.
 

 
Gulf Coast Home was founded in 2020 by native Bay Saint Louis sisters Wendy DeBen and Theresa Lacy, who dreamed of bringing high-quality, stylish home decor and furniture to their beloved hometown. Transitioning from their careers in New Orleans, Wendy and Theresa infused Gulf Coast Home with their exquisite taste and a keen eye for design, creating a space that is at once welcoming and awe-inspiring.
 

 
Visitors are greeted by an array of carefully selected pieces that tell a story of luxury, comfort, and local flair. From high-end furniture and statement pieces to unique home decor and local artwork, every item in the store has been chosen with care and consideration. The layout, reminiscent of a well-appointed home, helps guests envision how these pieces could enhance their own living spaces.
 

 
This Second Saturday, Gulf Coast Home will offer 25% off in-stock and special-order items from the coveted Matouk bedding line, renowned for its beautiful designs ranging from affordable options to the heights of luxury. The store will also feature stunning beach towels, perfect for welcoming the upcoming summer season.
 

But that’s not all: The evening will be elevated by the sounds of DJ Shimmer, who will perform from 4 to 7 pm, adding great sounds to the visual feast offered in the store.
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For those drawn to the allure of outdoor living, Gulf Coast Home has something special in store. “By Second Saturday, we’ll have a wide selection of outdoor furniture ready to transform any outdoor space into a haven of style and comfort,” Theresa promised, hinting at the extensive preparations underway to ensure the showroom reflects their commitment to offering exceptional decor.
 

 
As Second Saturday approaches, Gulf Coast Home invites locals and visitors alike to explore its exquisite collection, take advantage of its unique promotions, and enjoy an evening of music, design, and coastal charm. Whether you’re looking for that perfect piece to complete your home or simply wish to appreciate the beauty of well-crafted furnishings, Gulf Coast Home is a destination not to be missed.
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Rags to Riches
200 S Beach Boulevard, BSL | (228) 344-3032
Mon-Fri 10 am – 12 am; Sat-Sun 12 pm – 2 am

 
Located at the bustling corner of South Beach Boulevard and Court Street, the unique venue called Rags to Riches promises to redefine your weekend hangout. This dual-concept bar combines the relaxed atmosphere of a sports bar with the elegance of an upscale lounge, offering an atmosphere for everyone.
 

 
Founded by the visionary trio of Shane and Amy Bernard and Craig Bordelon, Rags to Riches emerged from a shared dream to fill a void in the local scene. “We wanted to create a place that felt missing from the Bay,” Shane Bernard explains. The concept evolved from Bordelon’s previous venture in Alexandria, bringing with it a legacy of community and camaraderie, now reinvented in a stunning two-story establishment that captures the essence of coastal leisure.

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Step into the Rags area downstairs, and you are immediately welcomed into a sports enthusiast’s paradise. Roll-up doors blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, making the space airy, vibrant, and full of energy. Every game feels like a home game thanks to the multiple screens showcasing matches from various leagues. The menu boasts an elevated bar food experience, with standout items like their famous tacos, barbacoa fries, and a selection of boiled crawfish that adds a Cajun twist to the sports bar staples.

 
Ascend the stairs to the second floor, and the ambiance shifts to a more refined setting. The upstairs lounge offers a fireplace, a balcony overlooking the beach, and a selection of the finest wines, spirits, and craft cocktails. This space is designed for those looking to dress up, enjoy live music, or simply watch the sunset in a more intimate environment.
 

 
This April 13, Rags to Riches is set to amplify the Second Saturday experience. While the venue is known for its regular weekly events, including Trivia Tuesdays, Karaoke Wednesdays, and live music from Thursday to Sunday, this Second Saturday, visitors can enjoy the venue’s signature offerings, like the Shark Punch and Beachy Peachy drinks, and a giveaway open to anyone who purchases a meal or a specialty drink from 11 am to 5 pm.

 
As part of the Second Saturday celebration, the venue also plans to feature local artists. Shane hints at a potential showcase by Joel Geiger, the artist responsible for the venue’s striking artwork, ensuring the day is as visually engaging as it is entertaining.
 
Rags to Riches isn’t just about good times; it’s a testament to the power of community and a shared vision for enhancing the local scene. “Our main goal is customer service,” Craig asserts. This ethos is evident in everything from the carefully curated menu to the inclusive vibe that welcomes families, sports fans, and date-night couples alike.
 
As Bay St. Louis prepares for another vibrant Second Saturday, Rags to Riches stands ready to offer a memorable experience that blends the thrill of the game with the allure of a night out. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back afternoon watching sports or an elegant evening under the stars, Rags to Riches promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, making it a must-visit in Bay St. Louis’s bustling social scene.
 

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The Porch
112 South Second Street, BSL (in Century Hall)
Mon-Sat 10 am – 5 pm;  Sun 11 am – 3 pm

 
Located within historic Century Hall lies The Porch, a treasure trove of whimsy, creativity, and gourmet delights that has become a staple in the vibrant community of Old Town Bay St. Louis. Having made the journey from Magazine Street in New Orleans to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, The Porch, under the loving stewardship of JoAnn Saucier, has flourished as a haven for those seeking something truly unique.
 

 
This Second Saturday, April 13, The Porch invites you to step into its welcoming embrace, where the familiar comfort of a porch swing meets the excitement of discovery. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by an eclectic mix that JoAnn has masterfully curated. It’s a place where every item, from the hand-selected home decor and artisan jewelry to the gourmet foodstuffs lining the shelves, tells a story.
 
With a spark of excitement in her voice, JoAnn shares her journey and vision for The Porch. “It’s a creative and exciting place to be! I have grown here and am very happy to be a part of the people here; it’s such a creative bunch.” This spirit of creativity and community is palpable throughout The Porch, making it more than just a shopping destination—it’s a place where souls are nourished, and smiles are shared freely.
 

 
This Second Saturday, The Porch is set to offer a unique experience that combines the joy of shopping with the love for our furry friends. In a heartfelt effort to support local animal shelters, The Porch plans to host pet photography sessions, turning moments with your beloved pets into cherished memories, all while contributing to a noble cause.
 

 
Moreover, as the clock strikes noon, the atmosphere will be further enriched by the soulful tunes of DJ Doug Funnie from Good Earth Records, playing until 3 pm. His eclectic mix is sure to add to the already stimulating environment, ensuring that your visit to The Porch is both memorable and melodious.
 

 
For the gourmets and culinary adventurers, The Porch is a must-visit. Whether you’re looking to elevate your next charcuterie board or seeking the perfect gift for a foodie friend, The Porch has something to astonish and delight.
 

 
In addition to the day’s festivities, visitors can anticipate the warm hospitality JoAnn is known for, coupled with refreshments that promise to cool and sweeten your Second Saturday experience.
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