Painting It Forward Artist Christina Pappion Spreads Kindness & Culture STORY BY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS BY JERRY COTTRELL
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hen you meet someone for whom all the stars and planets seem to have magically aligned to light up their path to a career that brings them both success and immense personal fulfillment, be honest. Do you feel just a smidge envious? Like, why do they get all the breaks?! Well, when that person is someone like Mandeville artist Christina Pappion, it’s impossible to do anything but cheer her on. Yes, even though she once danced on stage with Diana Ross and was babysat by Linda Ronstadt. And she was personally commissioned to paint a portrait of Drew Brees’ family. And she regularly works with the Saints and Pelicans. And gets paid to travel all over the country doing what she loves. So, who is this fortunate woman, and how did she manifest such a cool life for herself ? Christina is originally from Gentilly, and though her parents divorced when she was young, each passed along some valuable gifts. She credits her dad, a skilled craftsman, builder and welder, for her creative talent, and she says her business savvy comes from her mom, EJ Encalarde, president and COO of Festival Productions Inc. EJ has been helping to put on huge festivals like Jazz Fest and Essence Fest for decades, and Christina appreciates all the benefits it afforded her. “I was going to Jazz Fest at six years old,” she told me, sounding as though she still marveled at and delighted in the concept. “I really enjoyed it! I absorbed the art and culture, and the imagery and scenery had a huge impact on me. Plus, I looked up to my mom. She had the coolest job!” Along with extraordinary encounters with internationally acclaimed celebrities, she also grew up with local royalty, like Allen Toussaint, among her circle of family friends. Christina describes these relationships as having provided her with kindness, spiritual influence and an overall positive impact, all of which remain with her to this day. As a child, when her mom traveled for business and Christina stayed with her grandparents, she typically entertained herself by drawing with plain old pencil and paper. EDGE August | September 2023
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