Monsters meet zombies at annual artspace event

A three-level “friend-raiser” will bring guests into the 1950s nuclear fallout in Las Vegas, where monsters meet Vegas workers, and zombie showgirls mingle at the eighth annual Artscare Halloween party Viva Lost Vegas 8 p.m. until midnight Oct. 25.

“The Vegas theme came about when myself and another [Shreveport Regional Arts Council] member took a trip to Vegas this past summer,” Donna Poimbeouf, Artscare chairman, said. “We loved the atmosphere of the city and started thinking about some of our past, most popular themes like the Dead Celeb Ball and the Zombie Prom and kind of put it all together. But it all started with a trip to Vegas.”

The Rat Pack from I-97.3 will play DJ and host karaoke upstairs as they broadcast live from the event. In addition, local cover band The Good News will play new and old school favorites downstairs.

Casey Jones, marketing director for the SRAC, said patrons should come dressed in their favorite Halloween attire suited to the theme – Las Vegas mixed with classic Halloween monsters.

“People always ask if they have to dress in costume for the event, and I tell them, ‘You don’t have to, but you’ll want to,’ Poimbeouf said.

After entering the doors, guests are encouraged to stop by the Elvis Wedding Chapel, or take a chance at the endless buffet of table games. ‘Vintage Vegas films will play in the background and a specialty cocktail will be available at the bar, and zombie showgirls sell Jello shots.

“There won’t be an auction this year,” Poimbeouf said. “But there will be the costume contest, which is always a popular event. There is always something to look at Artscare!” Artscare is held as a way for people from the community and surrounding areas to come and experience artspace with a Halloween-themed party.

Labeled as a “friend-raiser,” the costume party brings guests together in a fun and creative way while showcasing Shreveport’s first fine arts center.

“Artscare is our opportunity to provide a great night of entertainment and fun at artspace,” Poimbeouf said. “We want to have people come and experience artspace, and artscare is truly a fun party in which to do it. I’ve been doing this [event] since the very beginning and you always see all the different groups of people from the area, from all [walks of life and parts of the community].”

Poimbeouf said the fundraiser has evolved into the “friend-raiser” as the years have gone on, and the ultimate goal is to raise awareness of artspace to the community. She said she has seen many returned guests at exhibits and shows from previous artscare events.

– Katie Ho

GET YOUR COSTUME READY

Guests must be 21 and older, and tickets can be purchased for $35 either online at www. artspaceshreveport.com or at artspace located 710 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport. Should tickets be purchased online, guests will save $5 by entering the promo code FORUM at the check-out. For more information on artspace and purchasing tickets for the 2013 Artscare, visit www.artspaceshreveport. com or call 673-6535.