Uni-brows, live donkeys and Mexican flair on tap for Frida Fest

The streets of Old Town Bay St. Louis will be have the essence of Mexico as an iconic Mexican artist will be honored Saturday. The Saturday Art Walk will pay homage to Frida Kahlo as the second edition of the Bay’s “Frida Fest” gets underway 4 p.m. Saturday.

“We were pleasantly surprised with how well the first one went,” said Ann Madden, who helped organize the festival with her friend and business partner Sandy Maggio. Madden and Maggio own Smith and Lens gallery in Bay St. Louis.

Kahlo was born in Mexico City in 1907 and painted 140 paintings, 55 of which were self portraits. In 2002, a movie based on Kahlo’s life, “Frida,” was released to much critical acclaim. Salma Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Kahlo in the film.

In recent years, Kahlo has been deemed an icon of both art and style by the media. She was well known for her large eyebrow — often called a uni-brow — that extended across her forehead.

The festival also is a way to celebrate Kahlo’s 109th birthday, which is July 6.

“I think she’s such an icon in the art world that people are really excited about the festival this year,” Maggio said. “She also had such a distinct style that is still very appealing.”

Madden said the interest in Frida Fest has been “tremendous.”

“There’s a much bigger buzz this year,” she said. “We're hoping a lot of people come out this year.”

This year’s events include a Frida look-alike contest, a Frida photobooth, food and drink specials at some of the area restaurants as well as live music and even a special photo opportunity.

“We’re going to have a live donkey that people can get their photo made with,” Madden said.

Other events include activities for children such as maraca making, live flower crowns, paper flowers and some performance art.

The Mockingbird Café is going to have a community art project that will allow people to paint on a car,” Madden said. “We’re still working out the details, but it should be fantastic.”

This story was originally published July 3, 2016 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Uni-brows, live donkeys and Mexican flair on tap for Frida Fest."