White Linen Night
Saturday, August 1

It’s the high point of the summer in New Orleans; a fun event that keeps the action going during a traditional lull in the flurry of activity that makes up a typical year in the Crescent City. It’s White Linen Night, a time to put on your white outfits, get out and enjoy the works of the city’s art community and take part in a free and open event on historic Julia Street.

White Linen Night (sponsored by Whitney Bank) takes place on Saturday, August 1 from 6-9 p.m. With about twenty art galleries participating, four blocks of Julia Street will be closed off for a New Orleans-style block party.
Among the highlights of White Linen Night are:

• Open house at participating art galleries, showing the works of selected painters and sculptors for the month, all of which are on sale at reasonable prices;
• Live music and entertainment on outdoor stages provided by some of New Orleans’ most eclectic and talented musicians in the middle of Julia Street, which is blocked off to create a four-block-long pedestrian mall;
• Samplings of New Orleans famous cuisine from local restaurants offered by street vendors, along with wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks.

And, as in past years, the Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp Street will host a White Linen Night party with live entertainment and an art show of its own. You will 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.

The white linen tradition in New Orleans dates back to the pre-air conditioning years when people wore white linen clothing to reflect, rather than absorb, the heat from the summer sun. Men wore white suits and women wore white dresses. Those who get into the spirit of White Linen Night wear white outfits and some even wear white hats as they leisurely stroll through the art galleries along Julia Street and adjacent side streets.

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 click here.