St. Charles Avenue Magazine July 2025

July

3 – 6

Essence Festival

Presented by Coca-Cola Caesars Superdome, essence.com/festival

10 – 13

Company

Summer Lyric at Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 504-865-5269, liberalarts.edu/ summer-lyric-theatre

11

The Psychedelic Furs House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

11 – 27

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, Lupin Theater, Dixon Hall Annex, 69 Newcomb Circle, 504-865-05117, neworleansshakespeare.org

11 – 27

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Tennessee Williams Theatre Company, Marquette Theatre, Loyola University, 504-2642580, twtheatrenola.com

23

Keyshia Cole

Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., smoothiekingcenter.com

25

The Wallflowers House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

26

Creed - Summer of ’99 Tour

Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., smoothiekingcenter.com

29

“Weird Al” Yankovic + Puddles Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.,504-525-1052, saengernola.com

30

Counting Crows: The Complete Sweets! Tour with special guest The Gaslight Anthem Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St.,504-525-1052, saengernola.com

31 – Aug. 3

Carousel

Summer Lyric at Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 504-865-5269, liberalarts.edu/ summer-lyric-theatre

Through July 13

Crescent Cityscapes: Images of New Orleans from the Permanent Collection Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St, 504-5399650, ogdenmuseum.org

Through July 31, 2026

Pioneers of Women’s Carnival Louisiana State Museum, Presbytere, 800-568-6968, louisianastatemuseum.org

This exhibition focuses on pioneering women’s krewes that created a space for themselves in Carnival beginning in the late 1800s, inspiring dozens of other women’s krewes that were successfully founded in their wake. Pictured here: Costume design for Maid in the Krewe of Venus, 1957, depicting "Bachman's Warbler," designed by Kathryn Dyer.

Through July 14

Delicate Sights: Photography and Glass

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

Through Aug. 10

New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

Through September

From The Storms Of Our Souls: The Art of Ron Bechet Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 504-528-3800, cacno.org

Through Sept. 7

The Unending Stream: Chapter 1

Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St, 504-5399650, ogdenmuseum.org

Through Sept. 21

Hoa Tay (Flower Hands); Southern Artists of the Vietnamese Diaspora Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St, 504-5399650, ogdenmuseum.org

Through Oct. 5

Making it Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans

Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St., 504-523-4662, hnoc.org

Through Oct. 19

Edge of Tomorrow: Aerial Views of Louisiana’s Changing Coastline by Ben Depp

Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St., 504-523-4662, hnoc.org

Through Dec. 28

Carlo Saraceni’s Our Lady of Loreto and Peruvian Viceregal Statue Paintings

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

Through Jan. 18, 2026

Bienvenue Lafayette Louisiana State Museum, Cabildo, 800-568-6968, louisianastatemuseum.org

Through Feb. 22, 2026

Nicolas Floc’h: Fleuves-Océan, Mississippi Watershed

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

Victoria Trading Company

By Penn Iarocci

Like many of us during COVID-19, Sienna Victoria found herself reflecting on life, specifically about what brought her joy. What first came to mind was an unrealized vision that she had yet to pursue. So, she set out to turn a meaningful hobby (vintage shopping) into a business venture and continued family legacy. At first this looked like amassing an inventory, followed by selling said inventory at pop-up events around town. But over time, this approach was not enough. She had to really go for it to reap the most joy. After all, wasn’t that the point? Just weeks ago, she opened her very own shop, Victoria Trading Company, in Mid-City; part, by appointment only showroom, part lounge space for a full vintage clothing shopping experience.

What inspired you to open a vintage/antique clothing shop? It’s definitely in my blood. My maternal grandmother owned an antique store in Detroit back in the 1970’s. So, after several years of selling my finds at pop ups like Little Flea at The Saint Vincent Hotel, I decided it was time to develop my own curated space.

When did you first begin collecting? When I was in high school, my grandmother gave me my first piece of vintage clothing. It was a bright, colorful velvet blazer, it just didn’t look like anything anyone else had at the time. Instead of shying away from that, I found it so unique and special and wanted more. After that, I was always searching for special pieces.

Do you focus on a particular time period? I gravitate towards pieces from the 1920’s-1950’s, particularly handbags and dresses. Bakelite is also a real love of mine. But really, I just love beautiful, unique things from any time period. Sometimes I see something that I would never wear but it’s so special I just know someone has to have it!

Can you describe your new space? I wanted the space to feel like a friend’s beautiful living room. It’s filled with Persian rugs, family heirloom furniture and sinewy plants, all contributing to a cozy, cool blend of colors and textures.

How can we shop with you? I still simultaneously work in TV and film, so I offer appointment times based around that schedule. All appointments can be booked through the website, Calendly, website or by email: victoriatradingcomp@gmail.com. Every Sunday, I plan to be in the store to welcome walk-ins from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

You can follow Victoria on Instagram @victoriatrading. co or by visiting her website: victoriatradingco.world

PHOTO

Seas the Day

Ahoy! The Bower Yacht Club has got its sea legs, with a bewitching transformation of The Bower Bar (1320 Magazine St.) into a nautical escape, where the sea-side ambiance is complemented with summery cocktails and cuisine. Drinks such as the rum mango Old Fashioned, frozen Lillet lemonade, the Below Deck Gimlet and the Painkiller — a combination of rums, citrus and coconut cream — set cocktails’ sails, while fried clams and lobster rolls recall New England summers and caviar service adds a sophisticated touch. thebowernola.com/the-bowerbar; @bowernola

TGIF Harmony

Tipitina’s (501 Napoleon Ave.) has rolled out another musical summer of Free Fridays! The shows (21 years and older) continue through August, with this month featuring: July 4, Soul Brass Band, Vegas Cola; July 11, Erica Falls, Ghalia Volt; July 18, Flow Tribe, LeTrainiump and July 25, The Quickening, Paris Avenue. Doors open at 8 p.m., shows are 9 p.m. No tickets needed, general admission. tipitinas.com/freefridays, @tipitinas

Sips Happen

Have your cocktail — and learn about it, too — at Tales of the Cocktail, July 20-25. This leading world-class cocktail conference welcomes industry professionals and spirits enthusiasts to discuss, learn and sample at educational seminars, networking events, tastings, wellness programs and cultural experiences. Among the offerings are “Meet the Distillers,” a signature event to meet the makers and taste 15 spirit brands; “Spirited Dining & Drinking,” which partners brands with New Orleans restaurants; “Pig & Punch,” presented by The Bon Viviants, featuring creative punches and food from Hogs from the Cause; and “Louche: The French Quarter Absinthe Tour,” where the history of absinthe and the city are explored. talesofthecocktail.org; @tales_of_the_cocktail

A Stirred Story

What does the combination of gin, absinthe and vermouth have in common with New Orleans? A drink, the Obituary Cocktail, that was invented in the French Quarter — and now there’s a book about it, too! “The Obituary Cocktail,” debuts on July 18 at Garden District Book Shop (The Rink, 2727 Prytania St.) with seasonal flair with music, food and, of course, the Obituary Cocktail, as well as other libations from Bar Epilogue. Published by LSU Press, the book is part of its Iconic New Orleans Cocktails series, and author Sue Strachan will be on hand to sign copies. gardendistrictbookshop.com; @the.gardendistrictbookshop

Saber Style

Impress your friends (and even yourself) by learning the art sabering a champagne bottle at Summer Saber Fridays at Brennan’s (417 Royal St.), 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Restaurant General Manager Christian Pendleton — himself a “Confrerie du Sabre d’Or” — will teach attendees how to open a bottle of bubbly with a saber (or sabre), which is a sword. Tickets are $75 per person and includes a pre-selected bottle of bubbly and saber lessons, tax and gratuity included. brennansneworleans.com; @brennansnola

The Soul of the Surface

E. Lee Jahncke Mead specializes in decorative finishes that transform ordinary surfaces into distinctive objects and spaces

New Orleans native E. Lee Jahncke Mead of E. Lee Jahncke Fine Finishes has always been drawn to the decorative arts. As a child she often wondered how things were made. “Interiors and home have always been important to me,” Mead says, recalling asking herself — at a young age — when she’d see something particularly striking, “‘Was it painted or printed or did someone do it with their hands?’ I always remember thinking about how I could combine painting and physical objects people can use to make their home special.”

Mead ’s interest in art was encouraged and nurtured both at McGehee School and at home. Part of an artistically inclined family, Mead ’s creative mentors included her grandmother, Elizabeth Cutting Jahncke, a formally trained painter; uncle, Davis Jahncke an architect; and uncle Robert “Cutting” Jahncke, a dancer, writer and actor. She remembers attending lectures on architecture and interiors with her grandmother and being surrounded by her parents’ creative and artistic friends. Jahncke ultimately studied drawing, sculpture and arts management at the College of Charleston and later attended the North American Chapter of The City and Guilds of London Institute in conjunction with the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

After college, Mead took a job as an event planner at the National Gallery of Art. “I learned so much in that job that I still use in a professional way,”

she says. But the desire to pursue art was too strong. “I knew I needed to be painting and using my hands,” she says. Mead left the National Gallery for a stint with decorative artist Lenore Winters in D.C. There, she leaned into her love of interiors and learned how to “run a job,” a skillset Mead still uses every day.

Today, Mead ’s work ranges from detailed wall finishes to custom furniture. She recently completed a bathroom wall to resemble an Indian cotton block print, worked on a collaboration with interior designer Christine Diggs at GW Fins and painted a mural at Lions Corner, a hotel bar with an apothecary theme. Clients often seek Mead out for exotic finishes, such as her popular signature tortoise shell finish. However, her work is never monotonous. “In New Orleans, I don’t think I’ve ever done anything twice or exactly the same,” she says. “People [here] love to be different and there’s no house here that’s truly perfect, even if it’s brand new.”

Though the work can be challenging at times and her philosophy, handed down from Winters, is to create finishes so real that when she leaves, no one knows she has been there, Mead ’s chosen career remains rewarding and impactful. “I love being part of people’s traditions and their daily life,” she says “I like making their home special and enjoyable; something unique that they love and enjoy spending time in.” –

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Pretty up your sleeping quarters with bedding in a peony print. Made of 500 thread count Egyptian cotton, the garden inspired pattern makes for dreamy drifting. Sotre, 3820 Magazine St., 504-304-8475, sotrecollection.com.

Make bath time a retreat with a set of Alhambra towels from Graccioza. The luxe and voluminous towels are made of 100% Egyptian cotton and even include a sewn=in cotton hanger for post-soaking simplicity. Maisonette Shop, 2727 Prytania St., 504-4371850, maisonetteshop.com.

Guest Dressed

By Amy Gabriel

No guest closet is complete without a plush robe to curl up in after a day of sightseeing. Add a thoughtful local touch with a Peter & Paul robe made of 100% cotton and printed in the hotel’s iconic oversized gingham. This cozy comfort is available in blue, red, yellow and greenjust like the guest rooms at this Faubourg Marigny respite. ash.world/souvenirs.

Have a welcoming arrangement of flowers waiting in a glass bud vase from Vietri. The elegant design, made by Tuscan artisans, envokes the beauty and shape of the hibiscus flower. Adler’s, 722 Canal St., 504-5235292; 2937 Veterans Blvd., 504-523-1952, adlersjewelry.com.

The consummate host takes care of every detail, including leaving a hand-wrapped soap from La Chatelaine in the powder room. Made in France, the luxe lather is made all the more pleasant when paired with the orange blossom scent. Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St., 504-891-2424, hazelnutneworleans.com.

An inviting scent like the Fresh Linen room spray from L’AVANT Collective will infuse the room with delicate notes of ylang-ylang and bamboo mingled with pure essential oils of soothing lavender and geranium and a touch of blushed bergamot. Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 504-8917018, judyattherink.com.

Aaron Frumin

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, unCommon Construction

For over a decade, unCommon Construction has encouraged young people in New Orleans to build the skills and resources necessary to join the construction industry. As a construction company (and much more) that hires local students for their on-the-job training program, the team builds one to two houses a year from the ground up.

With a background volunteering for the Red Cross, as well as the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity rebuilding effort, Frumin realized he had a knack for teaching people on job sites. After returning to Tulane University to complete his degree, Frumin hit upon the idea of building houses with high school students and using the profits to pay for supporting scholarships.

In many cases, opportunities for young people to get real world experience on construction sites were in volunteerism or service roles. Most schools no longer offer shop classes, for instance.

Frumin’s idea was to use the construction company business as a way to generate revenue to reinvest in the students. This alternative learning environment gets them excited about the careers that

start on or around a construction site. Similar to college pathways, there are plenty of career pathways that open up with these entrylevel, catalyzing experiences on a construction site.

The unCommon Construction team has created over 500 apprenticeship positions within their program. They have partnered with over 13 local high schools, including the local homeschool population, to create those positions for young people. Their alumni have collectively earned over $500,000 in scholarships and pay over the years. In addition, over 80 percent of their graduates intend to work in the construction industry.

Working with unCommon Construction encourages these young people to see themselves as part of the architecture, construction, engineering, and real estate development economy. They are bringing in a younger and more diverse workforce who see themselves as having real growth opportunities in and around the trades.

In addition, Frumin has plenty of success stories about his alumni. J’Adore completed a couple of semesters with the program, gained experience as a crew leader,

and graduated as the valedictorian of Morris Jeff High School. She earned a scholarship to study interior design, which is her current career path.

Joshua, meanwhile, completed two semesters with unCommon Construction prior to the pandemic, and he took a job with one of their industry partners following graduation. While working (and earning promotions), he studied general construction at Delgado and started his own business. The unCommon Construction team now hires him as a subcontractor.

Hunter, a founding apprentice, used his equity scholarship to join the electrical union and become a homeowner – at age 20. Now a journeyman electrician, he lives in Ohio and rents out his New Orleans home for additional income.

“These young people from New Orleans are developing the technical skills, the soft skills, the personal relationships, the social capital, and the professional network to really become leaders in the workforce in our growing city,” said Frumin. Furthermore, the construction industry makes up the backbone of the American economy.

“Everything that you touch was

touched by our industry,” said Frumin. Consider the Super Bowl: everything from the airport to the highways to the Superdome itself has been touched by alumni from unCommon Construction.

The unCommon Construction team is excited about their new campus location. As a working construction company, they needed a place to gather, convene, and evolve the apprenticeship program. Their new home on Freret Street includes a two-story community and office space and a large, incorporated learning studio. The centralized location provides a lower barrier to entry for workshops and community events, which can act as precursors to credentialed programs.

“We are proud of how we are able to represent our New Orleans community in a national conversation about education reform, career and technical education, and the workforce needs in our industry,” said Frumin. “Our grassroots, nonprofit organization in New Orleans has innovated some of those existing pathways and systems, and it has garnered recognition for our youth and for our city, so we feel really proud about that.”

– By Lindsay Mack

GET INVOLVED

Like and follow unCommon Construction across its social media channels to stay involved. Keep an eye out for events such as their Hard Hat Happy Hours at 4:00 pm every Thursday. Community members are welcome to drop by the new campus and learn more about the building and its many programs. Anyone interested is also welcome to donate to unCommon Construction: give.uncommonconstruction.org/give/ 247272/#!/donation/checkout

Galler� Insider

Exploring local art galleries in New Orleans isn’t just an enriching cultural experience, it’s also a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family. It’s a chance to be inspired, support your community, and enjoy a slice of culture. So next time you’re planning a family outing, head into the heart of the city’s creative soul and you might just find your new favorite artist.

By Andy Myer

Fun for the Whole Family

Wh � Visiting Galleries is Great for All Ages

A Creative and Educational Experience

Art has a unique ability to ignite the imagination, and for kids especially, seeing original pieces in person can be both inspiring and educational. Local galleries feature a diverse range of work, from traditional folk art to contemporary installations and street art-inspired pieces. These provide perfect conversation starters to explore culture, history, and creativity with your children. Some galleries even offer interactive exhibits or kid-friendly workshops designed to engage younger audiences in a hands-on way, turning an art outing into a learning adventure.

Relaxed, Screen-Free Activity

In today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, finding an activity that encourages mindfulness and reflection is rare. Walking through a gallery gives the whole family a chance to slow down, engage in thoughtful conversation, and connect over shared interpretations. Whether it’s a colorful abstract painting or a poignant photo series, every piece tells a story, and discussing those stories can be a great way to bond.

Support Local Artists and the Community

When you visit and shop from local art galleries, you’re directly supporting the artists and small business owners who help shape New Orleans’ creative identity. It’s a great way to teach kids about community values, the importance of supporting local talent and the economy. Even if you’re just browsing, your presence keeps the city’s artistic culture thriving.

Give Kids a Voice in Choosing Art for Their Home

Including children in the process of choosing artwork for your home has lasting benefits. It helps them feel seen, valued, and involved in shaping their environment. Letting your child choose a small print or piece that speaks to them can build their confidence and foster a sense of ownership and pride in their space. It also creates an opportunity to learn more about their personality and interests, what colors they gravitate toward, what subjects captivate their imagination, or what emotions certain pieces evoke. Plus, children who are given a role in curating their surroundings often develop a deeper appreciation for art and culture in general, something that will stick with them for life.

*As with books, movies, theater and other cultural endeavors, it is at each parent’s discretion to decide when their children are ready to view certain subject matter. Check gallery websites for current work on view, openings, events and upcoming exhibitions.

Local Gallery Listing

*This list has been checked for accuracy and was current at the time of publication.

A Gallery for Fine Photography 241 Chartres St. agallery.com

A.L. Lowe Custom Framing 1126 S. Carrollton Ave. allowecustomframing.com

Alex Beard Studio 3926 Magazine St. alexbeardstudio.com

Alexis Walter 702 Magazine St. alexiswalter.com

Angela King Gallery 241 Royal St. angelakinggallery.com

Antieau Gallery 719 Royal St. antieaugallery.com

Anton Haardt Gallery 2858 Magazine St. antonhaardtgallery.com

Ariodante Contempory Craft Gallery

535 Julia St. ariodantegallery.com

Art by Christy Gallery 4616 Magazine St. artbychristy.com

ARtscapes AR 935 Gravier St #1042 artscapes.co

Arthur Roger Gallery 432 Julia St. arthurrogergallery.com

Axiom Art Gallery 4613 Freret St. axiomartgallery.com

Beata Sasik 541 Julia St. sasikart.com

Billy Solitario Fine Art 4531 Magazine St. billysolitario.com

Black Heritage Gallery 719 Bourbon St. blackheritagegallery.org

Caliche & Pao Gallery 312 Royal St. calicheandpao.com

Callan Contemporary 518 Julia St. callancontemporary.com

Camp Street Studios 822 Camp St. campstreetstudios.org

Carol Robinson Gallery 840 Napoleon Ave. carolrobinsongallery.net

Casey Langteau Art 4700 Magazine St. caseylangteauart.com

Claire Elizabeth Gallery 131 Decatur St. claireelizabethgallery.com

Cole Pratt Gallery 3800 Magazine St. coleprattgallery.com

Craig Tracy Gallery 827 Royal St. craigtracy.com

Creative Alliance of New Orleans 326 Esplanade Ave. cano-la.org

Degas Gallery 604 Julia St. thedegasgallery.com

Derby Pottery & Tile 2029 Magazine St. derbypottery.com

Dr. Bob Folk Art 3027 Chartres St. @drbobart

Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-op 912 N. Peters St. dutchalleyonline.com

Eight One Eight

Address: 2300 Laharpe St. gallery818photography.com

Elise Allen Art 6063 Magazine St. eliseallenart.com

Elliott Gallery 540 Royal St. elliottgallery.com

Esom Art 3935 Magazine St. esomart.com

Ferrara Showman Gallery

400A Julia St. ferrarashowman.com

Frank Relle Photography 910 Royal St. frankrelle.com

Fredrick Guess Studio 607 Julia St. frederickguessstudio.com

Frenchy Live 8314 Oak St. frenchylive.com

The Front 4100 St. Claude Ave. nolafront.org

Galerie Rue Royale 3648 Magazine St. frenchart.net

Gallery B Fos 2138 Magazine St. beckyfos.com

Gallery Burguieres 736 Royal St. galleryburguieres.com

Gallery Cayenne 702 Decatur St. gallerycayenne.com

Gallery Huracan 3441 Magazine St. galleryhuracan.com

Gallery Orange 819 Royal St. gallery-orange.com

Gallery Rinard 611 Royal St. galleryrinard.com

Gallery 600 Julia 600 Julia St. gallery600julia.com

George Schmidt Gallery 626 Julia St. georgeschmidt.com

Glassblower Ben 1239 St. Ferdinand St. glassblowerben.com

Good Children Gallery 4037 St Claude Ave. goodchildrengallery.com

Great Artists Collective 815 Royal St. greatartistscollective.com

Gryder Gallery 615 Julia St. gryder.co

Guy Lyman Fine Art by appointment only guylymanfineart.com

Harouni Gallery 933 Royal St. harouni.com

Jillian Mac Fine Art 3923 Magazine St. jillianmacfineart.com

Julie Silvers Art 3714 Magazine St. juliesilversart.com

Kevin Gillentine Gallery 3917 Magazine St. kevingillentine.com

Lemieux Gallery 332 Julia St. lemieuxgalleries.com

Martine Chaisson Gallery 727 Camp St. martinechaissongallery.com

M Contemporary 614 Julia St. mcontemporary.com

Megan Barnes Art 2855 Magazine St. @meganbarnesart

Michalopoulos Gallery 617 Bienville St. michalopoulos.com

MS Rau 622 Royal St. rauantiques.com

Myth Gallery 831 Royal St. myth-gallery.com

New Orleans Photo Alliance 7800 Oak St. neworleansphotoalliance.org

New Orleans School of Glassworks & Printmaking 727 Magazine St. neworleansglassworks.com

Octavia Art Gallery 700 Magazine St. octaviaartgallery.com

Palace Market/Frenchmen Art Bazaar 619 Frenchmen St. palacemarketnola.com

Pollack Glass Studio 4132 Magazine St Unit B pollackglassnola.com

Porche-West Gallery 3201 Burgundy St. porche-west.com

Potsalot Pottery 3818 Magazine St. potsalot.com

Rodrigue Studio 730 Royal St. georgerodrigue.com

Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery

446 Vallette St., Algiers rosetreegallery.com

St. Claude Arts 6707 St Claude Ave. stclaudearts.org

Scene By Rhys Fine Art 1036 Royal St. scenebyrhys.com

Sibyl Gallery

8630 Zimple St. sibylgallery.com

Sidewalk Side Studio 3645 Magazine St. sidewalkside.com

Spillman Blackwell Fine Art. 866 Camp St spillmanblackwellart.com

Staple Goods 1340 St. Roch Ave. staplegoods.org

Stella Jones Gallery 201 St. Charles Ave. stellajonesgallery.com

Sterling Frame Studio 3440 Magazine St. sterlingframestudio.com

Studio Amanda Talley 1382 Magazine St. amandatalley.com

StudioBE

2941 Royal St. studiobenola.com

A.O Cuneo/Sullivan Gallery 3825 Magazine St. aocuneo.sullivan-gallery.com

Sutton Galleries 519 Royal St. suttonsgalleries.com

Tanner Gallery & Studio 625 Royal St. tannergallery.com

Terrance Osborne Gallery 3029 Magazine St. terranceosborne.com

The Spielman Gallery 1332 Washington Ave. davidspielman.com

Thomas Mann Gallery I/O 500 Napoleon Ave. thomasmann.com

UNO St. Claude Gallery 2429

St. Claude Ave. unostclaudegallery.org

Venusian Gardens 2601 Chartres St. vgartgallery.com

Vieux Carre Gallery 507 St. Ann St. vieuxcarregallery.com

Where y’Art Works 1901 Royal St. whereyartworks.com

Windsor Fine Art 221 Royal St. windsorfineart.com

Zele NOLA 2841 Magazine St. @zele_nola

Zana Brown Studio Gallery 3908 Magazine St. zanabrownstudio.com

Communit� Events

First Saturday Art Walks

On the first Saturday of the month, the Arts District New Orleans hosts an Art Walk, where galleries open their doors for evening receptions, offering a chance to meet artists and enjoy refreshments. Check the website for dates, artsdistrictneworleans.com.

Fidelity Bank White Linen Night

August 2, the Arts District comes alive with gallery openings, live music, and local cuisine. artsdistrictneworleans.com

Dirty Linen Night

Continuing the festivities, August 9 brings Dirty Linen Night to Royal Street, where galleries open their doors for an evening of art and culture. dirtylinen.org

Art for Art’s Sake

Scheduled for October 4, this event invites art lovers to galleries along Magazine Street for an evening of art appreciation and socializing. magazinestreet.com

The Art Lover's Guide to Southern Road Trips

By Becca Hensley

Like a painting or a sculpture, a road trip begins as a vision, a feeling or an idea. As with a masterwork where the process is as important as the end result for the artist, so, too, the road trip’s perambulations add to the excitement of reaching the destination. For art lovers who hanker to steer their way to some of the South’s most artistic hotspots, we’ve provided an aesthete’s cheat sheet. Grab your favorite driving companion and hit the art-centric road.

Fairhope, Alabama

Literally an earthy place, Fairhope can trace its legendary—albeit low key—art scene back centuries to Native American potters and, later, to European immigrants who recognized the value of the region’s peerless bounty of local clay. As a brick and tile production bolthole, it gained a reputation for the arts that attracted other creatives from painters to writers to musicians. Today, the ceramics culture continues to reign, as does an overall multifaceted art scene that embodies Fairhope’s contagiously creative spirt. On Alabama’s Gulf Coast with views of Mobile across the bay, Fairhope exudes a postcard-worthy sweetness with its abundance of historical homes and effervescent, old school Southern charm. Enjoy the Eastern Shore Art Center (ESAC), situated downtown, which presents monthly exhibits and offers classes. Set around the public parking garage, Arts Alley showcases local artists via murals and art installations. Shop the cozy French Quarter Fairhope , replete with shops and galleries, set off a cobblestoned courtyard. Plan your trip to coincide with the first Friday of the month to take advantage of Fairhope Art Walk , when live music,

AROUND 2.5 HOURS

hospitable galleries and public spaces invite browsers to mingle. Indulge at the restored Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, a celebratory hideaway for nearly 200 years. Don’t miss the sunset from its extra-long fishing pier. Fuel up for gallery hopping with shrimp and grits at Julwin’s, and toast the day’s end at Sunset Pointe , famous for garlic butter drenched Fried Snapper Throats and tables with a view.

Check it out:

esartcenter.org al.com

marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ptlak-grand-hotelgolf-resort-and-spa-autograph-collection sunsetpointefairhope.com

Memphis, Tennessee

Imagine if you turned the music of Memphis natives Aretha Franklin or Al Green into paint on a canvas—that’s the vibrancy and soulfulness of this tuneful city’s visual arts scene. Awash in galleries, public works, museums and entire streets or districts committed to supporting local creative flair, Memphis has “got it going on.” The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art , the largest institution in Tennessee, spans 5,000 years of art and culture, while the captivating Metal Museum unveils the artistry in blacksmithing. Wander through TONE, an innovative gallery in Orange Mound, which showcases Black, Memphis-based artists. Peruse 7000-square-feet of international and contemporary works in the Crosstown Arts Galleries , two galleries rolled into

one. Walk Broad Street, which unfurls to offer dozens of galleries, artist ateliers, shops and restaurants. In the South Main Arts District, head to Urevbu Contemporary, a Black-owned art gallery, known for its exhibitions featuring artists from the African diaspora. Sit amongst 3D work in bright colors by Mississippi-based artist Kelvin Bladwin in the lobby of the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis . Using fascinating materials, including guitars, his pieces pay homage to blues music and the Muddy Waters-meets-Elvis pulse of Memphis. Stroll the leafy Dixon Gallery & Gardens , a haven of art and community activities. Sip at Crosstown Art’s Art Bar, a full-service bar with drinks as creative as the works of art on property. Grab a bite at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, known for small plates with southern fair (deviled eggs with crispy oysters to name a few) and a prodigious wine menu.

For more information: brooksmuseum.org metalmuseum.org crosstownarts.org urevbucontemporary.com hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/memct-hyatt-centricbeale-street-memphis flightmemphis.com

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

Photo by Julian Harper

Covington, Louisiana

Plenty close for day trippers on a shopping spree, but soul satisfying enough for a long weekend that might awaken a longing for a different pace of life, Covington’s nostalgic bungalows and National Register-listed historic district summon storybook appeal. The kind of place where creatives own tea shops or galleries but live above them as a reminder that when we love what we do, it’s not work but a passion, this tiny North Shore town peels back the layers. Infused with an aesthete’s driven spirit, it has galleries, independently owned shops, ateliers and restaurants. Covington throws arts festivals, such as the Covington Three Rivers Art Festival in November, and hosts supportive salons for cognoscenti and art junkies

Dive into Covington: covingtonthreeriversartfestival.com englishtearoom.com southernhotel.com saladinogallery.com rodriguez.art facebook.com/abbysemberaart facebook.com/rutlandstreetgallery sttammany.art

Mural by Mandeville artist Inga Falterman along the side wall of the St. Tammany Art Association

AROUND ONE HOUR

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

To fit in, ditch your car, and putter around this picturesque town in the heart of the Mississippi’s Gulf Coast in a de rigueur golf cart. Thus, slowed down you’ll yield to the laid-back pace, peer at historic homes with their wraparound porches and rocking chairs, inhale the briny air and, glimpse the nature all around. Look around to gain insight into what stirred Ocean Springs’ most distinguished artist citizen, Walter Anderson. He spent his life conjuring the spirit of the surrounding terrain: the bent live oaks, roiling waters, lively wildlife and fruit-festooned persimmon trees. A quietly beautiful town, profuse with wistfulness, Ocean Springs feeds its reputation as an artists’ colony with an abundance of festivals, galleries and artsy goings-on. Its showpiece draw for art enthusiasts is the Walter Anderson Museum , which guards an impressive assortment of Anderson’s expressionistic Modern American artwork. Browse from an array of independent, art-oriented shops, such as Shearwater Pottery and Pink Rooster. Take a workshop at gallery filled The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. At night, check into The Springs, a chic boutique hotel inspired by the area’s curative mineral springs, the lush local flora and the town’s aesthetic aura. You’ll want to eat every meal at The Lady May, which serves up “scratch-made,” coveted family recipes perfected by the owner’s grandma. Put the Pimento Cheese Board, the Bacon Jam and Pepper Jelly Board and the Crab Cakes on your list.

Explore Ocean Springs: walterandersonmuseum.org theladymay.com shearwaterpottery.com springshotelos.com

The Harwood Suite at the Hôtel Swexan The Anne & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection

St. Francisville, Louisiana

With a deeply Southern, slow as molasses ambiance St Francisville bears a melded legacy of French, Spanish and English rule. That timeless fusion manifests richly in its gardens, architecture, ghostly tales, abundance of St. Francis statues and culinary style. In the heart of plantation country, the quaint hamlet launched John James Audubon’s notoriety, when he came to the parish to teach painting and drawing to the children of St. Francisville’s plantation owners. While in residence, he painted 32 of the bird paintings that he later published in his still popular Birds of America book. Audubon fans can tour Oakley Plantation where the artist lived while tutoring. Now the Audubon State Historic Site, it commemorates the artist’s time in the area. Today, vibrant St. Francisville embraces the arts in a more contemporary fashion. Autumn’s Yellow Leaf Arts Festival and the Spring Art Show attract aficionados aplenty, as does (antique store extraordinaire) The Corbel’s Summer Art Show, held July 11-13 this year. Consider gaining early entrance on July 10th at an Opening Night Wine Dinner, catered by Restaurant 1796. The event begins with a cocktail hour, has live music, a meet-the-artists moment and “first look” shopping before an indulgent four course wine dinner. Fans of Bravo’s Southern Charm Savannah will want to stay at the St. Francisville Inn , restored by celebrity interior designer Brandon Branch and his partner, Jim Johnstone. Boutique-y, but coddling, the Victorian, gingerbread-adorned home flaunts an inviting porch with rocking chairs, a popular restaurant—The Saint—, a pool and a spa.

AROUND 2 HOURS

Dallas, Texas

Dallas’ Harwood District, an incapsulated urban oasis, snakes some 19 blocks through Dallas’ artful Uptown, just four blocks from the city’s aptly named Arts District. Trailblazing, the family-owned Harwood District launched in 1984 with the opening of the stylish Rolex Building, an acclaimed office development. Today the district encompasses more than 3 million square feet of retail and residential space, galleries, parks, restaurants and hotels. Culturally rich, the enclave attracts discerning art world aficionados and those smitten with an au courant, even edgy, worldview. Its centerpiece, a true cache, the quixotic The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection stands out as the only samurai museum in the United States. Its free public galleries harbour priceless samurai art and armour. More of the family’s eclectic private collection can be seen throughout the district in gardens, office lobbies, hotels and various common spaces. Since an afternoon isn’t enough to explore the entire arts and entertainment district, stay for the night. Book the Harwood Suite at the district’s piece-de-resistance: the Kengo Kuma and HDF-designed Hôtel Swexan, a haven of eye-popping assemblage art and elan,

For more information: lastateparks.com/historic-sites/audubon-state-historic-site thecorbel.com themyrtles.com louisianahospitalitygroup.com

AROUND 7.5 HOURS

created to evoke and reference the founders’ Texas-meets-Swiss heritage. While all rooms hover above the cityscape and feature clever details—bathtub faucets that flow from the ceiling in oversized bathrooms, for example—, the Harwood Suite exudes graceful Japanese elements throughout its 1346-square-feet. A glass vitrine in the living room presents spellbinding samurai accoutrements, while elegant Japanese art dresses the suite’s walls. You’ll note Texan earthiness and European glamour in every corner of Hôtel Swexan, from its Salvador Dali-inspired speakeasy Babou’s (named for the artist’s pet ocelot) to its retro Mad Men-esque steakhouse, Stillwell’s (which serves beef from the family’s ranch). Do plan to enter all 24 of its distinctive common area bathrooms, each as eye-catching as a cabinet of curiosities.

Dallas Details: harwooddistrict.com hotelswexan.com samuraicollection.org

WORTH THE EXTRA MILE

AROUND

Houston, Texas

Spanning some nine square miles, the mostly walkable Houston Museum District is peppered with 21 engaging institutions from the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston It’s a feast that can take weeks to digest. To take a bite from one of its richest metaphorical dishes, spend your long weekend enthralled by The Menil Collection , which has the largest group of works by René Magritte outside of his native Belgium—among other unforgettable works. Mesmerizing, The Menil’s elegant trove comprises eclectic pieces collected from 1940 to 1990 by visionary art mavens John and Dominique de Menil. Like part of a secret garden, its Surrealist-filled rooms, Cy Twombly Gallery, Renzo Piano-designed structures and the moody Rothko Chapel occupy 30 leafy acres amid a stately neighborhood. Adjacent to the newly opened Bunkhouse Hotel, the Hotel Saint Augustine takes cues from The Menil. It features savvy common areas awash in drama and whimsy, kitted out with bold colors and textures. With eye-catchers such as vintage Enzio Longhi chairs and Lato armchairs reupholstered with boucle and leather, the hotel manages a theatrical harmony with certain Dominique de Menil vibes. Nosh at Bistro Menil , a casually curated eatery modeled after upscale dining venues found at some of the world’s most chi chi museums— including London’s Tate Modern. Across from The Menil, Bistro Menil serves favorites such as Crab Salad, Crispy Duck Confit, and Tarte Tatin—with a stellar wine list as accompaniment.

For more information: houmuse.org camh.org mfah.org menil.org; bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-augustine bistromenil.com

5 HOURS

Hotel Saint Augustine Lounge

Photo by Nicole Franzen

The Menil Collection Surrealism Galleries

Photo by Paul Hester

Eden Centers Ball Gowns & Blue Jeans

It was a sparkling night at a stellar home decorated for the holidays — that of Jennifer and Dennis Lauscha — when Eden Centers held its annual benefit, Ball Gowns & Blue Jeans.

Complementing the spectacular setting on Nov. 20 were guests who brought their attire A-game to the event, wearing all fashionable denim ensembles or mixing and matching it with taffeta, sequins and other festive adornments.

Adding to the flair were necklaces created by local artist, India Stewart, which also acted as recognition for purchasing items from the organization’s Registry Boards. There were four, each representing a different stage of recovery. Attendees purchased items that were specific to that recovery stage — for example, many people come to the organization without any documentation, so attendees could donate $120 in order to provide that for survivors in their first 90 days of recovery.

As guests mingled and gave with purpose, they were also treated to a performance from Michael Harold and Dr. Quinn Peeper — you know them as the entertainment gurus who wrote “Classical Shindig” — who brought another talent to the party: the duo performed on the piano to an appreciative crowd.

Food also took center stage including cuisine from Palette, as well as fresh crab claws, crawfish, oysters and shrimp courtesy the Louisiana Seafood Board; a drum dish provided by Fortune Fish and wagyu beef, donated by John Scialdone, smoked by Louis Freeman Jr.

Founded in 2011, Eden Centers offers comprehensive recovery services and housing to survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation at no cost to its clients. Event co-chairs were Marilee Hovet and Helen Young.

FUN FACT: The fundraiser is held at a different benefactor's home each year, with the belief that hosting at a real home serves as a heartfelt reminder of the healing power of community, hospitality and belonging. Next year’s gala is Nov. 19.

1. Helen Young, Marilee Hovet 2. Dennis Lauscha, Jennifer Lauscha, Kara Van de Carr, Daryl Byrd 3. Jennifer Best, Greg Feirn, Sarah Feirn 4. Louis Freeman Jr., Courtney Freeman, Peggy Babin Indest, David Schulingkamp 5. Michael Harold, Dr. Quinn Peeper 6. Cleland Powell, Tony Adams, Kim Abramson, Neil Abramson

New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Azúcar Ball

Celebrating Latin culture while raising funds, the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation hosted its annual Azúcar Ball on Nov. 23 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This year’s theme, “Quisqueya Noche de Encanto Tropical,” paid tribute to the rich culture of the Dominican Republic.

Presented by Pan-American Life Insurance Group, the evening began with a patron party, sponsored by restaurateur Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. followed by the main event, which kicked off with cuisine from some of New Orleans’ top restaurants, including Brasa Churrasqueria, Empanola, La Cocina De Antonio, Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco, and many more.

Guests danced the night away — this event has been voted as the “Best Dancing Party in New Orleans” — to infectious Latin rhythms performed by AshèSon, Fermin Ceballos and DJ Felipe Estrada.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Gálvez Cup, the foundation’s highest honor, to Sonia Pérez, former president of AT&T Southeast States, and a dedicated supporter of the foundation.

The Azúcar Ball serves as the foundation’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds going toward scholarships for outstanding low-income Hispanic high school and college-bound students. Since 1993, the foundation has awarded more than 1,300 scholarships.

Event co-chairs were Ashley Garcia and Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston.

FUN FACT: The 2025 Azúcar Ball co-chairs are Isis Casanova, Rosa Rodriguez and Ashley Morgan and the event is on Dec. 6.

1. Ashley Garcia, Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston 2. Javier Perez, Sonia Perez, Claudia Shabetai, Jose Suquet 3. Steve Friedman, Heidi Kiesling, Yakelis Anzola, Robert DiCianni 4. Dr. Blanca Maldonado, Dr. Juan Gershanik, John W. Redmann 5. Bill Hines, Deanna Rodriguez, Octavio Nuiry 6. Alex Gershanik, Carmen Duncan, Kelly Duncan, Maria Bonilla, Tony Garcia

Ladies Leukemia League

Fête de Noël

It’s a feat that Ladies Leukemia League does annually with style and panache: host its Fête de Noël, a celebration of spirit and survival.

Attracting more than 900 guests — not unusual for this event — the luncheon, themed “When You Wish Upon A Star, Then A Cure Will Not Be Far,” was on Dec. 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.

Camille Whitworth was the event’s emcee, guiding attendees through an exciting afternoon. Always a favorite happening was the fashion show by Dillard’s, which included a moving tribute to leukemia survivors Holly Martin Millet, Jake Meerman (age 6) and John Robert Toubre (age 12). Each walked the runway to warm applause as their stories were read aloud, with the young survivors also outfitted by Dillard’s. Emphasizing the holiday season (which to be honest, in New Orleans continues on through Carnival), Mr. Bingle tossed plush toys, Mardi Gras-style.

More funds were raised with a “Parade of Prizes” featuring 100 wrapped gifts and a Holiday Wish Raffle offering two items: a David Yurman diamond ring donated by Aucoin Hart and a Chanel gift basket. Door prizes ranged from a $1,000 Dillard’s cosmetics basket to a two-night stay at the Hilton.

Led by President Anita Hymel and co-chairs Angela Riviere and Ana Eller, the event blended holiday joy with purpose, raising awareness and support for leukemia patients across the region.

FUN FACT: Santa was played by Stephen Kernion, a third-generation Santa following in the footsteps of his father and uncle.

1. Angela Riviere, Jake Meerman, Joey Meerman, Anita Hymel, Ana Eller 2. Julie Vanderbrook, Holly Millet, Kathy Pastorek

3. Carolyn D’Antonio, Christy Saladino, Terri Kloor 4. Cissy Tittle, Jacquelyn Milan, Carey Kernion 5. Catherine Accardo, Deborah Blancher 6. Rosalie Edwards, Angie Cicero

Poydras Home Holiday Tree Lighting & Music Festival

Poydras Home ushered in seasonal cheer at its sixth annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Music Festival — a benefit held inside the home’s historic 1857 Hall on the expanded Magazine Street campus.

With the 30-foot tree on the front lawn serving as a festive beacon of the evening, guests and residents gathered to toast the holidays and support the mission of Poydras Home, with Board of Trustees President Claire Porter and Senior Vice President of Healthcare Administration Laura Smith serving as honorary co-chairs.

New Orleans music legend Charmaine Neville performed seasonal favorites and local hits. She also mingled and posed for photos with guests and Poydras Home residents.

Cuisine was provided by Poydras Home’s own Vice President of Hospitality Service and Executive Chef Dave Wright, with a seasonal assist from David Bergeron of The Creole Creamery, who donated and scooped his signature artisan ice creams to the delight of attendees.

Thanks to guests and generous sponsors, such as Hancock Whitney Bank, Anne and Bobby Swayze (in memory of Martha Anne Treen), and Lucy and Kell Riess, the event was a success.

FUN FACT: Poydras Home’s historic 1857 Hall, where this and many of its events are held, is part of the original footprint when the current location was built in 1856 and completed in 1857 as a home serving female orphans of the Yellow Fever outbreaks in New Orleans. At that time, Poydras Home was known as the Poydras Female Orphan Asylum. Original signage hangs in the entrance today.

1. Claire Porter, Charmaine Neville, Laura Smith 2. Gene Shapiro, William Murray, Nanette Shapiro 3. Claire Jacobi, Larry Jacobi 4. Lydia Rose, Rich Collins, Becky Collins 5. Patrick Riess, Kell Riess, KC Riess, Gifford Riess 6. Seated: Julia Ary, Mary Demmas; Standing: Bart Ary, George Demmas, Brian Ary

Young Audiences Fa La La

Fostering and celebrating creativity is the mission of Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA). And, its 3rd annual YALA Fa La La delivered: not only did it commemorate over 60 years of arts in education, but it also seamlessly combined the spirit of the holidays with New Orleans’ love for live music, community and artistry.

It was an “amazing event benefiting the children to explore all parts of their creative minds,” said event chair Colin Sternhell.

Held on Dec. 5 at the home of Dr. Marilyn Pelias and Will Kirchheimer, a special moment of the party was the live auction which featured original artwork created collaboratively by students and professional artists. The pieces — painted during April’s YALA Art Live event at Urban South — showcased the talents of students from Young Audiences Charter School, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts and West Jefferson High School.

Young Audiences of Louisiana was founded in 1962 with the mission to inspire, empower and unite children and communities through education, arts and culture. The organization has grown from presenting school performances of chamber music to its current position as the state’s largest provider of arts-integrated and after-school programs.

FUN FACT: Longtime board member

Ana Gershanik was honored at the event for 30 years of service to YALA.

1. Colin Sternhell, Norma Grace, Christina Sternhell, Bob Sternhell 2. Rickie Nutik, Erica Seeman, Mary Nass, Brionne Marcelle 3. Richard Bates, Ana Gershanik, Dr. Juan Gershanik, Jenny James 4. Warren McKenna, Gail McKenna, Stella Delbanco, Fulvio Delbanco 5. Marguerite Moiso, Dr. Marilyn Pelias, Will Kirchheimer

6. Jocelyn Reynolds, Greg Lambousy

Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans Fed Fest

The Audubon Tea Room was the place to be on Dec. 11 when the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans hosted its annual Fed Fest.

Formerly known as the Annual Celebration, this year’s event brought the community together to honor those who go the extra mile to make New Orleans a better place to live.

The Hatikvah sung by Alix Paige and a blessing by Rabbi Philip Kaplan set the tone, after which Federation Board Chair Jonathan Lake applauded Michele Gelman and Mike Dodd for their stellar work as 2024 Community Campaign Co-Chairs.

Among those honored were Dr. Marc Behar with the Roger Bissinger and Allan Bissinger Memorial Award for embodying leadership and integrity; Sara Lewis, who was bestowed the Herbert and Margot Garon Leadership Award, which recognizes a young individual’s commitment to the New Orleans Jewish community and Myron Goldberg, chosen for the Oscar J. Tolmas L’Dor V’Dor Award, which celebrates the unsung heroes of the New Orleans Jewish community.

Topped off with Dickie Brennan’s unforgettable cuisine and music from the Russell Ramirez Trio, Fed Fest 2024 was a heartfelt tribute to the mission of the Jewish Federation: to connect, uplift and strengthen Jewish life in New Orleans and beyond.

FUN FACT: The federation awarded $100,000 in 2024 to early education agencies for security, donated over $2.5 million to the Israel relief fund, and graduated 728 people through their KatzPhillips Leadership Development Program.

1. Jeff Sbisa, Nancy Bissinger, Nancy Timm, Marc Behar 2. Melinda Mintz, Jonathan Lake 3. Lisa Romano, DJ Romano, Marcie Goldberg, Myron Goldberg 4. Mike Dodd, Michele Gelman 5. Robert French, Sara Lewis, Bobby Garon 6. Susan Green, Chuck Stern

Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour Patron Party

For many, it’s a tradition to start seasonal celebrating at the Preservation Resource Center’s annual Holiday Home Tour Patron Party.

And New Orleanians answered the call on Dec. 7, when this year’s cocktail party took a turn in the French Quarter at the Creole-style townhouse built for Claude LeBaron in 1828. While notable in itself, the house has a storied history: it was once owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, as well as Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. It was also where legendary producer Cosimo Matassa had his recording studio, where Fats Domino and Little Richard put to vinyl their hit songs.

The home tour was Dec. 14-15 in the Garden District, where history and decor aficionados could view six homes, with St. Mary’s Chapel as a visual lagniappe.

Since 1974, the PRC has been advocating, educating and safeguarding the city’s architectural treasures through a variety of programs.

1. Odom Heebe, Danielle Del Sol, King Logan 2. Sherman Boughton, Jeanne Boughton, Kendra Home, James Rolf

3. Laura Shields, Ben Dupuy, Sweet Dupuy 4. Michelle Duhon, Sarah Sunday, Dexter Blanchard 5. Robert Lay, Ramsey Green 6. Penny Francis, Mirell Gallo

FUN FACT: This was the first Holiday Home Tour Patron Party hosted in the French Quarter.

Louisiana State Museum Foundation Founders Ball

Party at the Cabildo? Sounds intriguing... and the Louisiana Museum Foundation delivered when it hosted its annual Founders Ball, this year marking the debut of “Rodrigue: Before the Blue Dog,” which spotlights the early works of New Iberia-born artist George Rodrigue. These paintings poignantly illustrate Cajun life—landscapes, people and folklore—before Rodrigue’s Blue Dog fame.

Among the night’s highlights was the appearance of Diane Keogh, who portrayed the original “Evangeline,” a figure in many Rodrigue paintings. The Blue Dog, however, was omnipresent, with guests festively dressed in varying hues of blue, and assorted Blue Dog accents throughout, which started in the Cabildo entryway with David Torkanowsky performing on the Rodrigue-painted Steinway, on loan from the Sheraton Hotel.

The musical lineup also reflected Rodrigue’s roots and included Louis Michot, Jonny Campos and Corey Ledet, Les Frères Michot, The Holiday Playgirls, and Lost Bayou Ramblers. A silent auction featured 45 items including a Rodrigue original, a diamond ring from Adler’s, and culinary and hospitality experiences. Catering was provided by Dickie Brennan & Co., Stanley, Columns and Fives.

Among the night’s VIPs were Bill Goldring, who was honored for his philanthropic contributions, as well as the evening’s honorary co-chairs, Rodrigue sons André Rodrigue and Jacques Rodrigue with wife, Mallory Page Rodrigue, and special appearances by Veronica Rodrigue Redman (the sons’ mother) and Wendy Rodrigue Magnus (Rodrigue’s widow). The exhibition is on view at the Cabildo through Sept. 28.

FUN FACT: A special boudin buffet, along with an oyster bar from Fives, provided late-night snacks in the courtyard where partygoers, including Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, were among those dancing to music from Lost Bayou Ramblers.

1. Gayle Benson, Kristin Shannon, Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser, Aulston Taylor 2. Walter Leger, Gary Solomon 3. Jacques Rodrigue, Paris Seidman, Jayson Seidman, Ben Dupuy 4. Pat Shane, Henry Shane 5. Sonny Shields, Laura Shields 6. Sweet Dupuy, Amy Neill, Garrison Neill

Seed oils are a hot-button topic in the nutrition world, sparking heated debates on social media and beyond. In one camp, experts say they’re completely harmless, that the whole conversation is overblown. On the other side, though, seed oils are being referred to as “poison” and “toxic,” with a call to ban them entirely.

Just last month as this column was going to print, Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill to discourage restaurants and food manufacturers from using seed oils. And if they continue to use them, they’ll have to flag it on the menu or label so that it’s visible to consumers (this is slated to go into effect in 2028, to give the industry time to change course).

So what’s the real story on seed oils? As is often the case, the truth lands somewhere in the middle.

What Are Seed Oils?

They’re referred to as seed oils because they’re extracted from the seeds (rather than the fruit) of plants like soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, cottonseed and grapeseed. They’re cheap, shelf-stable and often subsidized, making them a go-to option for restaurants and food manufacturers.

To dive deeper into the research, I’ve reached out to experts in the field, including Dr. Mary Sco, MD, PhD, a family medicine doctor who also has her doctorate in Nutritional Sciences. You can hear our interview in full in my podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition; below is a summary of our conversation.

The Omega-6 Factor

Much of the debate around seed oils centers on their omega-6 concentration. In simple terms, omega-6 fats can be pro-inflammatory, while omega-3

Seed Oils

Sorting Through the Confusion

By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD

fats (like those found in oily fish and plant-based foods like walnuts and flax) have an anti-inflammatory effect.

This doesn’t mean that omega-6s are always harmful – but they can tilt the inflammatory balance if consumed in large amounts without enough omega-3s to compensate. And chronic inflammation can contribute to conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer and more.

“Until about a hundred years ago, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in our diets was about 4:1, if not less. Now, that ratio is at least 20:1,” notes Dr. Sco. “And over the last 50 years, the concentration of omega-6 fatty acids in Americans’ fat tissue has more than doubled. We’re now surrounded – literally – by more omega-6 fatty acids than at any other time in history.”

“It’s important to note that, within the category of ‘seed oils’ there is still a lot of variation,” says Dr. Sco. “Canola oil, for example, has a bet-

ter ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (2:1) than soybean oil (8:1) and a far more favorable balance than corn oil (46:1) or sunflower oil (128:1).”

Heart Disease Controversy

There’s also heated debate around seed oils and heart health. By replacing saturated fats like butter or beef tallow with plant-based fats, including seed oils, studies have shown modest reductions in LDL cholesterol. Yet some older research, such as the Minnesota Coronary Experiment, found that replacing animal fats with seed oils did not necessarily reduce death rates from heart disease – and, in some cases, mortality risk went up.

The Heated Question

Another point of concern is how seed oils behave at high heat. Prolonged or repeated heating of seed oils – like what happens with restaurant deep-frying or ultra-processed foods – can produce harmful byproducts including lipid oxida-

tion, linked to conditions like elevated blood pressure and vascular inflammation that raise our risk for cardiovascular disease, among other negative effects.

Risking a Health Halo

When we single out an ingredient, there’s a risk of creating a ‘health halo’ that otherwise unhealthy foods do not deserve.

Take Doritos, for example. If the brand were to replace the seed oils (listed as ‘corn, canola, soybean and/ or sunflower oil’) with other fats like beef tallow or avocado oils, they’re still just a low-quality, ultra-processed snack filled with refined carbs, MSG and artificial food dyes, among other not-so-natural ingredients.

Similarly, if a fast food chain touts that they don’t use seed oil for their flour-battered chicken on processed white bread with french fries, it’s still just a fried chicken sandwich with fries.

Finding Your Balance

“Some people – especially those with inflammatory conditions or those prone to migraines – might benefit from reducing their intake of seed oils,” says Dr. Sco. “But it’s never the whole answer.”

“Sugar, refined carbs, alcohol and overall excess calories can also drive inflammation,” says Dr. Sco. “Fixating on seed oils alone can mean that we miss the other culprits.”

“Eat fewer fried foods, cut back on ultra-processed snacks, and emphasize whole foods whenever you can, also balancing your fats by including sources of omega-3s like salmon, sardines, flaxseed, and walnuts,” advises Dr. Sco. “By doing that, you’ll naturally dial down your omega-6 intake and you’ll do your body far more good than any single ingredient swap ever could.”

James and Kelly Brown married on December 22, 1981. Thomas and Carol McGovern married on December 22, 1991. In 2014, their children, Nicholas C. Brown and Elizabeth A. McGovern, both attended Boston College and enrolled in the “Perspectives” program under Professor Brian Braman’s directorship. Soon after moving into the dorm freshman year, Elizabeth and Nick became best friends. Despite a connection obvious to friends and family, the two graduated in 2018 and went their separate ways—her to Phoenix, him to New Orleans—without ever having dated.

Then one day in 2019, Nick’s college roommate invited Elizabeth, a musician, to play a benefit concert, and she called Nick out of the blue to tell him the news. The two stayed in touch for the rest of the year, seeing each other for the first time since college during Mardi Gras 2020. As the pandemic made social isolation the new normal, Nick and Elizabeth continued reconnecting through phone calls, Facetime movie nights, and sharing music. Nick even drove cross-country to visit his friend twice. In January 2021, the couple finally admitted their feelings for one another. Later that year, Elizabeth moved to New Orleans to begin law school at Loyola; Nick was in his last year of law school at Tulane.

In November 2023, Nick’s family hosted a candle-lit backyard dinner. Nick stood up, toasted the Browns and McGoverns, and asked Elizabeth to marry him. She joyfully accepted the proposal, and there was no doubt

McGovern-Brown

about their wedding date.

Nick and Elizabeth married on December 22, 2024. Professor Braman, who had traveled from Boston, pronounced them husband and wife on the patio at Audubon Tea Room. Elizabeth carried a faux magnolia bouquet, representing Louisiana, strength, and timelessness. The beautiful oak tree was

adorned with a vine-covered chandelier, lending itself perfectly to the timeless holiday theme. To seamlessly transition from the ceremony to the reception, the indoor space incorporated outdoor elements such as branches, greens, and live local trees.

Guests took in the beauty of the décor as they sipped cocktails from

a menu created by the bride’s father; the libations were inspired by New Orleans and by the families’ beloved pets. The cocktail menu was one of the many ways the newlyweds’ families helped make the day extra special. Another took place on onstage, as the bride performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” accompanied by the groom’s father on violin and brother on guitar. Elizabeth followed this number with “Hold My Hand” by Wild Pink, in honor of her family. The Yat Pack, who accompanied her on both songs, then kept the dance floor packed for the rest of the night!

After a magical celebration, Elizabeth and Nick spent a week relaxing in Antigua and Barbuda. They then returned to New Orleans, where they recently closed on their first house in Lakeview. Nick is an attorney at Porteous, Hainkel and Johnson, and Elizabeth is an attorney at Gordon Arata. – By Megan Holt

Photographer: Sarah Alleman

Coordinator: PK Events Kristen Rauch & Claire Pizzuto

Bridal Gown: Sareh Nouri from Town and Country New Orleans

Bridesmaids' dresses: J and J designs

Men's Attire: Perlis

Rings: Beje Jewelry Florist: The Plant

Gallery by Kenny Rabalais

Caterer: Dickie Brennan

Cake: Chez Rue by Renee Terry

Videographer: Wild Light Film by Scott Strickland

Hair& Makeup: Flawless Bride

Music: Bill Horaist Entertainment and The Yat Pack

Rehearsal Dinner: Galarie de Galatoire

Gus Mayer

The Gus Mayer department store opened on February 3, 1900, at 823 Canal St. It quickly become known as a top destination for stylish women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. Almost 50 years later, they were ready for a new home, and they built one across the street at 800 Canal St., on the corner of Carondelet.

800 Canal Street had previously homed two other well established department stores – Feibleman’s and Stein’s – but most recently The Circus, which sold house goods and clothes under a Big Top and clown theme.

Demolition of the old building began in March 1948, and construction on the new building began three months later. It was one of the first buildings in downtown New Orleans to use concrete – rather than wood – piling foundations.

wide, 3-stories-high window above the entrance and was trimmed with a French baroque design in garnet-colored granite. On top of the building on the Carondelet side, the store name was spelled out in stone lettering in a modern font.

At the top of the building are a series of glazed green terra cotta cloverleafs placed on gold shields. The cloverleaf design had been adopted as the emblem of the store at its founding and was featured on their packaging and stationery, as well as in the chandeliers of the new building. The Gus Mayer Department store chain spread over many states, for many years, eventually reaching over 20 locations. Currently, the only remaining ones are in Birmingham and Nashville.

Gus Mayer opened on September 19, 1949. Designed and built by Favrot and Reed, the new building cost over $1 million and was notable for its modern design and lush materials. The exterior walls were of Indiana limestone, with granite trim from Cold Spring, Minnesota. The Canal Street facing front of the store had a sheer 15-foot-

With triple the space of their original location, the store was organized in a series of individual salons, each with a different pastel color scheme accented by blond mahogany panels. Each fitting room had a different Audubon bird print hanging in it, which decided that room’s color scheme. The Patio Room centered around a fountain with live goldfish. The hat department contained the pentagon-shaped Crystal Room, where one-of-a-kind hats were displayed among mirrored walls. The Oval Room featured French empire furnishings, while the dress salon carried a Chinese motif.

The Gus Mayer store stayed at the 800 Canal St. location until 1986, citing costs of building upkeep and general expense increases. Other businesses occupied the building for various years, and in 2009 CVS Drug Store moved in. They remain there today. – By Seale Paterson

Summer 2025 Contents

LAGNIAPPE STAFF

Editor: Megan Kurtz

Assistant Editors: Katie Odell and Erica Jackson

Writers: Carol O’Connor, Reynecia Ricks

Photographers: Delana Lynn Photography

PUBLISHER STAFF

Art Director

Ali Sullivan

Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer

Production Designers: Ashley Pemberton and Czarlyn Ria Trinidad

Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Tara Waldron

President-Elect: Michelle Clarke Payne

Secretary: Melissa Nunn

Treasurer: Paige Farrell

Assistant Treasurer: Genevieve Moffat

Business Council Director: Shelby Wynne

Communications Council Director: Carol O’Connor

Community Council Director: Catherine Rigby

Membership Council Director: Tabitha Mangano

Planning & Development Council Director: LeeAnn Moss

Ways & Means Council Director: Christine Rigamer

Nominating Committee Chair: Erica Washington

Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Brandy Whisnant

President's Message

What an honor and privilege to have served as the President of the Junior League of New Orleans for the 2024-2025 League year! I have never been more challenged or more rewarded. Thank you to each and every member, partner, nonprofit organization, volunteer and donor for making our programs and initiatives possible. I am so excited to see the wonderful ideas of the 2025-2026 board come to fruition over the next year as we delve into our second century of service to the Greater New Orleans area and live out our mission of advancing women’s leadership through volunteer action, collaboration and training.

Tara Waldron

JLNO President, 2024-2025

Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography

Teaching Kids to be Safe at Home JLNO's Award-Winning Safe Sitter® Program Offers Summer

2025 Classes

Written by: Carol O’Connor

Is your child ready to learn life-saving skills to be safe when home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting? This July and August, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) will offer summer classes for its Safe Sitter® program. These comprehensive one-day courses teach kids in grades 6 to 8 life-saving skills, such as how to rescue someone who is choking, safety precautions, tips on basic child care and introductory employment skills.

The medically accurate and developmentally appropriate lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises. Participants engage in hands-on simulations with CPR/choking rescue mannequins, providing students with valuable experience in managing real-life situations. The course also teaches basic

business skills for budding entrepreneurs. At the end of the training, Safe Sitter® participants receive a certificate of completion recognizing their new skills.

DarLisa Riche, 2024-2025 Safe Sitter® Chair, shared how the program impacts children, “Safe Sitter® is an outstanding program that every preteen or young teen should experience. Students gain confidence as they learn to handle real-life situations and leave the class empowered to put their new knowledge into practice.”

One-day sessions are available at JLNO Headquarters (4319 Carondelet St.) on: July 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 and August 2-3, 9. Questions can be directed to training@jlno.org. Register your child today at jlno.org/safe-sitter.

Experience Women’s Impact

The Junior League of New Orleans Hosts Fifth Annual Women’s Leadership Summit

Written by: Carol O’Connor | Photos by: Delana Lynn Photography

Music guided attendees down the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel as the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) kicked off its fifth annual Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) on Friday, March 14, with the Krewe of Dolly and 150 attendees. Katie Morse LeBreton opened the day by giving a humorous yet factual presentation on presence and the role of social media in our lives, which made attendees think more intentionally about how and when they use technology.

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to choose between breakout sessions, each of which provided a choice of programming centered around community, personal or professional development. Some chose to hear from women in STEM, executive leadership, or public health, while others learned how to build financial power and professional candor. Glass Half Full co-founder Franziska Trautmann even broke exciting news about the nonprofit opening a brand new regional facility.

Paige Farrell, JLNO Treasurer, raved about her favorite JLNO event, “The energy at WLS is electric and inspiring. There is something so empowering about being at an event full of women who are there to learn from each other and lift each other up."

Keynote luncheon speaker Margaret Orr offered insights into her incredible

career and shared her experiences since retirement, reminding those present to appreciate all of the little moments life affords along the way. The day closed with a panel on women’s health by the Presenting Sponsor, Ochsner Baptist.

Returning attendee Valerie Menowsky encapsulated why the Summit resonates with her and so many other attendees, “It is only women. Women speakers. Topics of interest just for women. It is only women sharing successes, failures, encouragement and energy. And that's just the beginning.”

Junior League of New Orleans 2025-2026 Board of Directors

Presenting our Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 League Year

Michelle Clarke Payne President

Shelby Wynne President-Elect

Phoebe Hathorn Secretary

Genevieve Moffat Treasurer

Margaret Saik Assistant Treasurer

Photos by Delana Lynn Photography

Junior League of New Orleans Awards 10th Annual Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship Award to Laura Fenner of Chateau Sew & Sew

Written by: Reynecia Ricks | Photos by: Delana Lynn Photography

The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) Headquarters was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, April 10, as JLNO held its 10th annual Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship pitch competition. Since January 2016, the WE Fellowship has supported women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses through mentoring, in-kind services and funding. The WE Fellowship pitch competition is the culmination of a multi-step selection process that prepares women business owners to pitch their businesses in front of a live audience, competing for the coveted yearlong Fellowship.

WE Fellowship Committee Chair, Amy Flower, shared that the committee found it especially challenging to narrow down the field this year, ultimately selecting the following six finalists:

• Ashley LeJeune, AEDO + TERRA

• DeShaunya Ware, ASE Learning Academy

• Diana Davis, Brown Ribbon Exchange

• Laura Fenner, Chateau Sew & Sew

• Stephanie Dupuy, Jardine du Dupuy

• Kelley Wolfe, ReJu Juice

Prior to the pitches, the 2024 WE Fellowship winner, Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Bakehouse, provided attendees with fresh-baked delicacies as she updated the audience on the success of her business, sharing her recent designation as a James Beard Award Finalist in the Emerging Chef category.

While the finalists may be competitors, the support shown among the women was more than palpable. When the first finalist returned to the green room after her pitch, the crowd was treated to the best possible hot mic moment - an eruption of cheers and encouragement from the waiting contestants. The 10-minute pitch represented not only months of preparation, but often years of building a business. Who could better understand the significance of that moment than fellow women entrepreneurs?

As the judges deliberated, the audience voted on the “Audience Favorite,” which went to DeShaunya Ware of ASE Learning Academy, a 4-star early

learning center that provides 24-hour care. Ware won over the audience with plans to enhance her current centers by offering community events and parent workshops.

Katie Morse LeBreton, VP & Director of P.O.W.E.R. Fidelity Bank, presented the winner of the 2025 WE Fellowship - Laura Fenner of Chateau Sew & Sew. Chateau Sew & Sew is a fabric retail store located on St. Charles Avenue that offers events, classes and private lessons for a wide range of skills and experience levels. Laura painted a narrative of the intergenerational gap between the skill of sewing, while highlighting her dedication to ensuring that “everyone is able to learn to sew.” When Laura presented her current business model, she also shared hopes of increasing marketing and staffing to meet the booming interest of tourists and locals alike in learning this age-old skill. “[I] want people to have a creative outlet when they need it,” Laura explained.

Laura learned about the WE Fellowship opportunity from a sewing student. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and amazed at how everything aligned perfectly.” Laura shared that she is most excited about the marketing support and networking opportunities moving forward. She added, “Sewing is not only fun, but it is also practical. New Orleans needs more than just a glue gun to continue the traditions we are known for.”

Laura and Chateau Sew & Sew join the ranks of past WE Fellowship winners Greek Girls Rice Pudding (2018), Cocktails & Sons (2019), Waterblock Kids (2021), Bomb Ass Fro (2022), Pillar Homecare (2023), and Lagniappe Bakehouse (2024). Amy Flower recognized that, “While this is a JLNO-led event, it would not be possible without our amazing sponsors.” The 2025 WE Fellowship prize package includes:

• $7,500 cash grant provided by Fidelity Bank

• $5,000 worth of accounting advising from Padgett Louisiana

• $5,000 worth of legal services from Jones Walker

• Business coaching and evaluation by TrepWise consulting

• And so much more!

League Year By The Numbers

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

547 Volunteer Opportunities

16,599.75 Volunteer Hours Logged

Partnered with over 57 area nonprofits throughout the year to provide volunteers, supplies and other support

57 Training Opportunities

COMMUNITY

Average of 4,748.25 people outside of membership and comms reached through JLNO programs and initiatives each month

Raised awareness about how to recognize and report human trafficking by distributing materials and soaps to 180 area hotels/motels.

2,841 Training Hours Logged

42 individuals training through Get on Board Awarded $50,000 in Community Assistance Fund grants to three area nonprofits

Officially exceeded 10 million products distributed through the JLNO Diaper Bank since its inception

Celebrated over 114 resident birthdays at Covenant House

Awarded $8,000 in scholarships to nontraditional female students in the Greater New Orleans area

125 Students trained through

150 attendees at Women’s Leadership Summit

EVENTS

731 Tickets sold for TOUCH-A-TRUCK®

Highlighted 31 local vendors at Holly Jolly Market

148 Children served through Educare Gift Drive

117 Runners joined our Run, Walk, Give team for the Crescent City Classic, resulting in $38,072.26 in cash for JLNO

Southern Summer Scene

Don’t settle for less than exceptional this Summer with these New Orleans partners to keep you looking and feeling your very best.

Perlis

Look cool in comfortable shades with a handcrafted, unique frame…a combination of glossy acetate and glossy 18K gold-plated stainless steel hardware. 100% UVA/UVB protection enhanced with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings for clear vision with longterm eye protection. perlis.com

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery

With 3 personalized tiers designed to achieve your unique aesthetic goals, The Face Society at Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery is a yearlong commitment giving maximum results only consistency can provide. The Face Society utilizes facials, hydrafacials, injectables, & lasers to help you achieve your goals while remaining cost-conscious. Check out our website for more information and/or follow us on Instagram. audubonfacialplastics.com

Kingfish Pools

At Kingfish Pools, you’re not just getting a pool—you’re investing in a masterpiece. You deserve a backyard that reflects your style, and that’s exactly what we create. Voted second-best pool company in New Orleans by Inside New Orleans Magazine readers and honored by Three Best Rated, we set the standard for luxury aquatic retreats. Even Hollywood trusts our craftsmanship—Amy Schumer’s dream pool? That was us. Whether you want sleek and modern or lush and tropical, your vision is our passion. Excellence isn’t just a promise—it’s what we deliver. Ready to transform your space? Call us for a free consultation. Come see our masterpieces on Instagram @kingfishpools. kingfishpool.com

Torino Leather Co.

Handmade in New Orleans-USA, Torino genuine South American Caiman belts, with brushed silver finish buckle. Rich, durable, and unmistakably refined. Luxury is in the details. torinoleather.com

Tasc Performance

Made from signature-sustainable fabrics like bamboo + organic cotton, tasc apparel is naturally and remarkably soft—no synthetics needed. tasc's BamCo® fabrics feature built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, offering all-day defense without chemical treatments. Discover tasc active lifestyle apparel – powered by nature and made for all the ways you move. tascperformance.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

PREMIER

PROPERTIES

Tabletop Treasures

Elevate your space with charming ceramic art like these candlesticks from LiBird Studio featuring vines, flowers pods and other natural elements. Each piece is handcrafted in New Orleans by Lisa Alpaugh and is a celebration of form, texture, and natural beauty. Available at libirdstudio.com.

PHOTO