<h3>By Kat Walsh</h3>
You may not recognize Tabby Place on Saturday, Nov. 12, as it is transformed into “a celebration of the senses and emotions” for the Beaufort Art Council’s Beaux Arts Ball.

While Beaufort is admittedly rich in arts and culture, this is likely the first time an event like this has come to town. Event planner Katie Huebel helped the council bring the theme – an interactive flowing evening of the arts – to life.

“As I understood more and more about the arts council, it dawned on me that this needs to be an event that highlights all kinds of artistic values in the area,” she said.

Beaux arts – French for fine arts – first appeared as a fine arts ball in Paris in the 1900s and was an immediate sensation and that soon spread worldwide. In keeping with that tradition, the BAC’s Beaux Arts Ball will be an evening of art, music, design and flavor - part Cirque du Soleil, part Lowcountry.

There will be performing artists – a contortionist, aerialist and flame breathers. There will be craft artists demonstrating their craft and offering items for auction.

“The evening will be an opportunity to experience everything through an artistic lens,” said Delene Miller, executive director of the Beaufort Arts Council.

At individual stations, chefs will create and explain their culinary masterpieces, everything from signature cocktails to hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

Led by event ambassadors, the silent auction will also be interactive. Of course, there will be plenty of time for socializing and dancing.

The Beaux Arts Ball will take place from 7-11 p.m. at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. All proceeds raised by the ball will go to supporting artists and arts education through Beaufort Arts Council programs and services. For tickets, visit www.bacbeauxarts.com.