WORDS / KODY FORD
PHOTOS / COLLEY BAILEY

Art, music and booze combined in a beautiful way at the For the Love of Art party, hosted by Fayettechill, Smokehouse Media and The Idle Class on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Speakeasy, who also co-sponsored the party.

With its Vegas atmosphere, the club was the perfect place for the evening’s revelry. Artists Joelle Storet and Chad Maupin displayed their art as DJ EJ, mackson and DJ EO dropped some block rocking beats on the crowd. Storet also did body painting for the staff of Speakeasy and some lucky party goers. People could also make their own art as paper hung from the walls and markers were in abundance.

5B9A9973According to Desiree Garnier, of Speakeasy, around 500 people made their way through the doors over the course of the night. Devin O’Dea, of Fayettechill, was pleased with how the evening unfolded.

“We are super happy with how the event went Saturday night,” O’Dea says. “Of course, as an event producer you always look for things to improve, but in terms of the general vibe and people attended, it was a success in my book. I think that in our own small way we were able to contribute to the Fayetteville art culture while highlighting Fayettechill’s two most prominent artists, and that being the point of the party, makes me feel the party was a success.”

Fayettechill unveiled their Amber Farmhouse Ale on hand. O’Dea says, “The bombers were a blast! Too much? No but seriously, I think their unveiling to the public went over very well. Nothing like having 22 ounces of beer brewed in Arkansas to accompany you on the dance floor.”

AL8A9827Every experience is a learning experience and O’Dea plans to make the next For the Love of Art party even better by featuring even more of a focus on art next time. He says, “I think…a series of art parties should continue to strive to bring more and more attention to the art. Having certain times to unveil new pieces, having interactive art stations for a general public (we had body painting and make your own art areas but those could only be used/done one at a time), and have videos playing aesthetically progressive media would be cool to make happen.”

The crew at Fayettechill was grateful for everyone who came and helped bring it together.

“Super huge thanks to SpeakEasy for hosting the event,” O’Dea says. “It would not have been the same without their special touch. Very proud of our two artists – Chad Maupin and Joelle Storet. They are two of the most humble individuals I have ever met and I’m thankful they allowed me to push them into center stage for the evening. Finally, thanks to everyone in Fayettechill that helped me coordinate the event and the friends, family, and general public that attended the event. It made me so happy to see other enjoying themselves, dancing, drawing, laughing, and celebrating for no other reason than for the love of art.”

VISIT: Fayettechill.com

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