The Ashé Cultural Arts Center will put on its eighth annual Redd Linen Night on September 14. The night is named after Douglas Redd, one of the co-founders of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center. The art of tattooing and body adornment will be featured, focusing on its roots in the African diaspora. America’s first black woman tattoo artist Jacci Gresham, who owns the oldest tattoo parlor in Louisiana, will also be honored.

Douglas Redd was a Baton Rouge native who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Dillard University. He spent much of his life trying to protect and promote African and African American culture. Part of his work in doing so included creating statements on his history and culture through visual art. 

Redd Linen Night features one style of art and brings together local artists to showcase and celebrate their craft. Past nights have included muralists and performing artists. This year, there will be live tattooing and henna applications by some of New Orleans’ African-American tattoo artists, including Ceaux Young. In the exhibition will be black and brown tattooed models, a panel discussion, art and historical exhibits, drinks, and food.

The event will start at 7 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite for $20. Included in the price of the ticket is a mini tattoo.