Art & Soul '08 Preparing Its Canvas

One of Natchez’ fastest growing events, Art & Soul, is set for the weekend of November 1st and 2nd of 2008. This year the event will take on a slightly different format in that live music will only be played during a street dance which will be held in the parking lot located behind City Council Chambers, just south of the Historic Natchez Foundation on Commerce Street. Music will be heard throughout the course of the weekend via a public address system, so you will still be able to enjoy music while you browse through the artists’ wares.

This year, the Art & Soul planning committee expects to have anywhere from sixty to seventy-five artists, who will be lined up along Main St. between Pearl to the west and Locust Alley to the east. There will also be a juried art show this year. The intersection of Main and Commerce Streets will remain open to be utilized as an art demonstration area, where select artists will offer demonstrations on pottery, sculpting, watercolor, and a myriad of other mediums.

Along with the wide variety of art to enjoy, there will be food vendors, a silent auction, a children’s area with a giant mural for kids to color, and the street dance will take place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday. Art & Soul will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, or to be a participant or volunteer, please call Carrie Lambert at 601-442-2929. Proceeds go to benefit the Natchez Downtown Development Association’s beautification and restoration projects.

NDDA Wants YOU!

Several committees have already been formed and are working on priority projects in Downtown Natchez. However, these committees still have slots to be filled, and there are new projects NDDA wants to begin planning. Below is a list of active and proposed committees. Committee meetings are open and guests are welcome to sit-in and contribute. Meetings are listed on the Committee Calendar on the Lamp Post blog. The NDDA is also in desperate need of volunteers for office work! If you would like to join one or more of these committees or help in the office, please call Carrie Lambert at 601-442-2929 or email her at downtown@natchez.org.

NDDA Committees:
-Promotions (Includes advertising for NDDA events and general downtown marketing.)
-Events
Art & Soul
First Friday Weekends
Natchez Meets New Orleans
Upstairs Downtown – Apartment Tour
Halloween Trick or Treat
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Artist Studio Tour
Easter on the Bluff
Brown Bag Concert
-Membership (Includes Merchant Meetings, “C” You In the Courtyard, and ideas to increase NDDA members)
-Branding (Includes new logos for NDDA as well as logos for ongoing events)
-Beautification
-Parking
-Sponsorship

First Friday Weekend Continues to Grow

A bit of rain and lightning kicked off April’s First Friday Weekend, but it didn’t deter the artists, merchants, and residents of Natchez. Merchants reported that traffic during Friday night’s Art Walk was drastically increased from March’s event – and several artists reported sales. The Natchez Napoleon House “After-Party” held at The Columns was also a huge success with over 100 attendees. The event raised approximately $1,000 for NDDA. Thanks to all the First Friday Weekend Patrons, and special thanks to our largest sponsors: The Columns of Natchez, First Natchez Radio Group, WMIS-WTYZ, Moreton’s Flowerland, Event Rental of New Orleans, Martin’s Wine Cellar and Stacy Strong. Without their contributions–and that of countless others–this event wouldn’t be possible. Special thanks also to Rolland Golden – our featured artist in April. TEASE: The “Great Gatsby Gala” comes in June – stay tuned for more details!

The next First Friday Weekend will be May 2-4. The Historic Natchez Foundation will be joining the First Friday lineup with an exquisite antique furniture exhibit during the Art Walk, and numerous other miscellaneous antiques that will be available for sale at the Foundation. In addition, the HNF will host a cocktail fundraiser the Friday night (May 2nd).

First Friday Weekend, April 4th, 5th & 6th

Schedule of Events
Friday - April 5th
5pm - 8pm ART WALK: Look for the flashing white lights & balloons. You'll be greeted with wine, cheese, and refreshments as merchants have open houses and local artists exhibit.
Shops & Artists will include:
-Cover to Cover with Micheal Kelly
-M. Schon with Keith Karlson & Shirley Byrne
-Natchez Fine Framing & Art Gallery with Marina & Chris Cavette
-Bernard Gallery with Catina Bernard
-Sun, Moon & Stars with Erin Myers
-Turning Pages Books with Marcus Frazier
-Natchez Coffee Company with Salongo Lee
-Pampered Sole with Ann Faillace
-Consign & Design with Jacques Weaver *Grand Opening at new 120 N. Commerce St. location*
-Intimate Home with Helen Rayne
-Martha's Vineyard with John Harter
-Kimbrell's Office Supply with Margaret Watts
-Moreton's Flowerland with Loraine Griffin
-Bass Pecan with Amanda Jeansonne
-South Union Interiors with Kevin Brodeur
-Lower Lodge Antiques with Brandon McCranie
-Addie's Antique Mall with Doris Rodriguez
-One of a Kind with Mary Lees Wilson
-Season's Home Decor with Lana Morgan

8pm - 10pm NATCHEZ NAPOLEON HOUSE: A special after-party for the First Friday Art Walk hosted by The Columns of Natchez, 206 Main St. Internationally renowned artist Rolland Golden will debut three new paintings from his Katrina series.
Menu:Italian salad, ruebens, muffalettas, hors d'oeuvres, & cash bar.
NDDA Members $20, Non-members, $30 - Reservations must be made by Thursday, April 3rd.


Saturday - April 6th
Sidewalk Sale: Shops will be lining the streets of Downtown Natchez with endless bargains!

Sunday - April 7th
10am - 2pm Resident Appreciation Day: Downtown merchants will offer 10 - 15% Discounts to Natchez & Adams County Residents. (Exclusions may vary between stores. Proof of residency required.)

April Monthly Merchant Meeting Rescheduled

The Monthly Merchant Meeting at Natchez Antiques on April 3rd has been resceduled to April 10th at 5:30pm due to a family illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky Smith and his family.

In addition, the Monthly Merchant Meeting will continue to be held on the second Thursday of the month instead of the first. This change has been made to alleviate conflicts with the First Friday Weekend events.

Natchez Calendars

Downtown Community Calendar





Merchant & Restaurant Sales & Specials Calendar





Downtown Committee Calendar

Easter Bonnet Promenade Schedule

Easter Sunday March 23rd

12:00 - 1:30 PM Picnic & Brunch: Bring your own picnic basket or reserve one from Vaughn's Bakery (601-304-4104) by Friday, March 21.

1:30 - 2:00 PM Bonnet Contest: Bring your favorite Easter Bonnet and your pet!

2:00 - 2:30 PM Promenade through downtown Natchez.

2:30 - 3:00 PM Easter Egg Hunt: Don't forget your basket!

Acitivities from 12:00 - 4:00:
- Artists painting scenes of the day.
- Photos with the Easter Bunny
- Face Painting & Balloon Twister
- Storytelling & Stiltwalker

For questions, please call Genny Harrison at 601-442-3770.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers will be needed to stuff & hide eggs as well as other prep work.
Contact Carrie Lambert at 601-442-2929, if you'd like to help.