White Linen Night

In the years before air conditioning in homes and vehicles, New Orleanians did a number of things to lessen the effects of the summer heat. One of them was wearing white linen clothing. Men wore white suits to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s heat, and women wore white dresses for the same reason.

The white linen tradition is revisited every summer in the city’s Warehouse Arts District on the first Saturday night in August during White Linen Night. Those who get into the spirit of the occasion wear white outfits and some even wear white hats as they leisurely stroll through the art galleries along Julia Street and adjacent side streets.

White Linen Night (sponsored by Whitney Bank) takes place on Saturday, August 2 from 6-9 p.m. With about twenty art galleries participating, four blocks of Julia Street are closed off for a New Orleans-style block party. And this year, as in past years, the Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp Street will host a White Linen Night party with live music and an art show of its own.

As you visit the galleries with their fabulous artworks on display and for sale, you can keep cool with complimentary hand-held fans, available at each gallery and at booths along the street. There will also be samplings of New Orleans’ world-famous cuisine from local restaurants and cool drinks to sip on as you gallery hop. The outdoor celebration includes stages and live entertainment provided by some of New Orleans’ most eclectic and talented musicians.

The official post party at the Contemporary Arts Center is a summer must-attend! You can expect to hear great music, view amazing art and mingle with an enthusiastic crowd. Cash bars and cuisine are available from 9 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $7 and free for CAC members.

For more information call the Contemporary Arts Center at (504) 528-3805 or visit
www.cacno.org. For a complete listing of art galleries go to http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/shopping/artgalleries.html.