It’s Acadiana: Out To Lunch

Hosted ByChristiaan Mader

OUT TO LUNCH finds journalist Christiaan Mader conducting business Acadiana style: over lunch. Each week Christiaan invites guests from Acadiana's business community to join him. Beyond the foundations of the Acadiana economy - oil, cuisine, music - there is a vast network of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even some of the country's largest companies who call Acadiana home. Out to Lunch is the cafeteria of the wider Acadiana business community. You can also hear the show on KRVS 88.7FM.

Works of Art – Out to Lunch – It’s Acadiana

January 20, 2016 Out To Lunch Comments Off on Works of Art – Out to Lunch – It’s Acadiana

The saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” assumes a democracy of things. Meaning every object, from a speck of sand to a skyscraper, has the potential for beauty, if we decide it’s beautiful. Even if you believe that to be true, you have to admit that some objects are just more obviously beautiful than others. On this edition of Out to Lunch, Independent and ABiz publisher Cherry Fisher May sits in for Peter Ricchiuti and talks with two Acadian craftsmen who make objects of undeniable beauty. And function.

Vivian Alexander egg by Alex Caldwell

To describe what Alex Caldwell creates as “handbags” or “purses” is a bit like calling the Grand Canyon a ditch. Technically it is. And technically Alex does make handbags and purses. But they’re not like anything you’ll see at Macy’s. They’re handmade works of bejeweled art that look like Faberge eggs.

Alex Caldwell

Actually Alex also makes Faberge style eggs, and other jewelry. His list of many impressive customers around the world include the Sultan of Brunei, Harrods, Neiman Marcus, and his works has even the star of a blockbuster Hollywoood heist movie. Every piece is hand-crafted right here in Acadiana under the name Vivian Alexander.

If you’re a listener to Out to Lunch you may have heard in the end credits that the show’s theme song is performed by Andre Michot.

andre michot

Andre is a member of the Grammy nominated band, Lost Bayou Ramblers. The band’s nearly constant touring, their appearance at rock festivals, and the respect they’ve gotten from the established rock and pop community make them one of this generation’s foremost ambassadors of Cajun culture. The accordions Andre plays on stage are instruments he builds himself, part of a line of Michot Cajun accordions he builds and sells.

alex caldwell, andre michot, cherry fisher may

Andre and Alex find they have a lot in common in their detailed craftsmanship and the painstakingly long time it takes to make a genuine work of art, that is also carried, swung, pushed, pulled, and dropped.

Photos taken over lunch at Cafe Vermilionville by Gwen Aucoin.

For more information about Acadiana entrepreneurs – Innov8 Acadiana and The Opportunity Machine. 

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