Swim through a sea of people at Friday’s Art Melt

It survived the boycotts and the bickering, and it’s still the most popular art show in Baton Rouge. In its fifth year, the Art Melt will use every square inch of the Shaw Center to display work from more than 70 artists. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. Thursday for the Preview Party, for those who don’t want to fight the crowds to see the art. Friday’s free party kicks off at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar, live music and performance art. Don’t like swimming through a sea of people? The Brunner Gallery exhibit continues through July 21. (File photo)