J.R.R. Tolkien-inspired artwork hangs at Le Chat Noir as part of the final installation in a multi-year art show.
The reception for the third installment in the “Art of the Rings” trilogy — “The Return of the Art Show” — will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the Eighth Street theater.
Heather Rene Dunaway came up with the initial idea in 2023 and “The Lord of the Rings”-themed reception has been a hit from the beginning.
“The first year more than 200 people showed up,” she said.
People are encouraged to dress up for the party, which includes hors d’oeuvres along with the theme, and see new works created to pay homage to Middle Earth. Also the event includes a viewing of the extended version of the film “The Return of the King.”
Featured artists include Julie Armstrong, Aaron Bailey, Emma Bailey, Emily Bender, Theron Cartwright, Jeremy Cohen, A.C. Daniel, Tiphiknee De Herrera, Heather René Dunaway, Kelley Igo, Revellee McNeill, Foxphire, Dren Munitz, Cynthia Maria Panzella, PASC, Erica Pastecki and Noelle Salinas.
Dunaway said while the art show has been a lot of fun, it’s also been a lot of hard work. This event will wrap up the trilogy in line with the book series, but she doesn’t rule out a hobbit-themed event in the future.
“I didn’t want to make it a forever thing,” she said.
If you can’t make the party but want to see the art work, there’s still time. The exhibit will be up through First Friday in August.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards and is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
