The Louisiana Watercolor Society will break all the rules with “Anything Goes,” a member show and sale opening July 4 at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum.

Normal show regulations for the society require that all work must be water-based, on paper and unvarnished. In addition to watercolor, however, the new show will feature works in all mediums, including acrylics, oils, sculpture, pottery and photography.

Show Chairman Philippa Gillen said the timing couldn’t be better.

The Louisiana Watercolor Society will host “Anything Goes,” an exhibit of works by members opening July 4 at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum. Pictured is Show Chairman Phillipa Gillen with her entry, “Looking Up to St. Andrew.” (Courtesy photo)

“The 4th of July is our national day of celebration, the day we celebrate when our forefathers broke all the rules,” said Gillen.

The show will open on July 4 at 2 p.m. with a reception and awards presentation. The show will continue on July 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located in the newly created Abita Trailhead Plaza, and housed in the historic Bachelors’ Quarters building, once part of the Longbranch Hotel. The plaza also houses the Abita Pavilion, created in 1884 for the World’s Fair in New Orleans, then dismantled and moved to Abita Springs shortly thereafter.

The pavilion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the society will donate part of the proceeds from the sale to the museum.

The society was founded over 40 years ago, and club President Jane Brown said this is the first time the group has presented such a diverse show. Alan Flattmann, who was recently inducted into the Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame, and has won many other national awards, will judge the show. His work can be found in many private, corporate and public collections.

Award ribbons will have such whimsical titles as “You’re the Top,” for first prize, with additional prizes such as “It’s De Lovely,” “Easy to Love,” and more. Featured artists include John Brown, Monica Bishara, William Crowell, Eve Carmena, Susan Copping, Stacey Dempsey, Sarah Fergus, Cindy Fisher, Louise Hansen, Jan Hebert, Irma Herzog, Roberta Loflin, Laura Mitchell, Karen Stakelum, Annie Strack and Rita Trosclair.

The July 4 reception is open to the public. Live music will be presented by The Grocery Clerks, and light refreshments will be served. For more information call 845-8292 or e-mail gillen1236@bellsouth.net.