Art Melt keeps it cool

A new venue, a new setting and a 10th anniversary celebration for Art Melt—that’s what’s in store for fans of the popular annual juried art event downtown this year. The venue is moving to the Louisiana State Museum downtown for the July 20 event, featuring more gallery space and potentially more selections to adorn the walls.

The outdoor space, with an arts market, band stage and food trucks, will stretch from the museum’s atrium to the intersection of Fourth Street and Spanish Town Road.

“With Art Melt, the exhibit is always the focal point, but we want it to be kind of a full sensory experience,” says Rebecca Alexander, Forum 35’s chief organizer for the event this year. “You can see wonderful art, then try the local food, then purchase something from the local vendors, then hear some great bands.” artmelt.org

10: Number of years since the inaugural Art Melt, originally held at the building currently housing Blend cocktail and tapas bar

59: Number of submissions shown in the first year, representing the works of 42 artists

632: Number of entries last year, the event’s highest amount ever

2,000: Dollar amount of the first-place prize

20: Approximate number of parishes represented by the selected artists last year

3,000: Estimated attendance at last year’s event at the Shaw Center for the Arts

1: The first day in June, which is the last day to enter art into the competition (before midnight, June 1)