When the temperature hits triple digits, everyone just wants to stay inside and discuss how stupidly hot it is outside. But on August 3, folks got out of the house and into the 2nd Street District for White Linen Night, a celebration of art, music and local business produced Big Ass Canvas.
Based on a New Orleans celebration by the same name, the organizers behind White Linen Night encouraged attendees to wear white in an effort to stay (and look) cool. While sipping complimentary Tito's vodka cocktails, guests — including Kulani Wijenayake, Scott Hummel, Rose Reyes, Courtney Knittel, Kayla Williams, Julie Sutton, and Megan and Ben Bentzin — popped into shops and listened to sidewalk tunes courtesy of Ruby Jane, Mayeux & Broussard and Eagle Eye Williamson.
Local artists took up residency in galleries and sidewalks, and artist Angelique Chandy unveiled the newest addition to Austin's ever-growing list of murals with an original piece inspired by the neighborhood.
But the night wasn't just about celebrating summer; gallery and shop owners committed to donating 10 percent of all sales during the event to Caritas, the Austin-based nonprofit that serves the area's low-income and homeless residents.
"We're impressed by and grateful for the turnout for White Linen Night," says Julie Sutton, retail marketing manager for 2nd Street District. "Local talent got fantastic exposure, our merchants were able to really connect with their customers, and we all worked together as a community to raise money for an incredible organization — all while sipping cocktails and meeting friends."
Organizers are still calculating how much money was raised for Caritas and will release the final figure later this week.
Lucinda Wang, Ethan Zilkha
