Who you calling Shrimp?

West Texas may be far from the coast, but shrimp will be plenty in Odessa on Feb. 26.

Using a recipe based on the one from Pascal’s Manale Restaurant in New Orleans, the Ellen Noël Art Museum’s 26th annual Shrimpfest will bring a Cajun flavor to the Permian Basin.

Starting at 7 p.m. for the general public, 1,200 pounds of shrimp will be delivered for an all-you-can eat buffet with “all the fixings” with music provided by the Main Stream Jazz Quartet. A sponsors-only cocktail hour will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Both events will be at the Ector County Coliseum Building G.

It’s a heavy dose of seafood for the fundraiser, which started out as a small gathering at Manuel’s Restaurant 26 years ago. The event outgrew its former home and moved to Ector County Coliseum’s Building G in 2000.

Tickets for general admission are $35 and sponsor tables can be purchased for $1,200, $3,000 or $5,000. Purchases can be made by calling 550-9696 ext. 210 or online at www.noelartmuseum.org.

   The Ellen Noël Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Admission is free.  More information about the Museum and this fundraiser are available on the Museum’s Web site at: www.noelartmuseum.org.

Currently, the museum is showing The Mike and Linda Tilton Collection through April 8.The collection includes a diverse grouping that reveals the collectors’ personalities.

Also, “Ned Bosnick: Life Along the Seine” is on display through March 18.

The collection displays the artist Ned Bosnick’s work during his years in Paris.

“Downstream: Paintings by Joyce Howell” is on display until March 11 and is a collection of paintings that provide an in-depth look at the abstract interpretations of the natural environment.

IF YOU GO:

• What: 26th Annual Shrimpfest.
• Where: Ector County Coliseum, Building G.
• When: Feb. 27.
• Time: Sponsor-only cocktail hour from 5:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. General admission starts at 7 p.m.
• Price: $35 for general admission. Sponsor tables are available for $1,200, $3,000 or $5,000
• Purchase: Call 550-9696 ext. 210 or buy online at www.noelartmuseum.org.
• Proceeds: Money raised goes to general operating expenses for the Ellen Noël Art Museum.

@OdessaAmerican