We are featuring YA/YA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists) on our cover for September in hopes that you’ll get on board as a patron, which starts at only $250 per couple. Thanks so much to Ann Fuselier and Melissa Fuselier (not pictured), chairwomen of the “Just Say YA/YA” event, honorary patron chair and director of New Orleans Museum of Art Susan Taylor (also not pictured), immediate past president of the board Shelby Russ, patron Paige Royer and corporate chair Kay Kerrigan.
This year the party will be on Thursday, December 8, at Mardi Gras World (east bank), and once again it represents a great opportunity to buy holiday presents for everyone on your list and to support these young artists. The patron party will be from 6 to 7 p.m. and will feature YA/YA-inspired hors d’oeuvres, music by Charmaine Neville and a first chance to see and buy everything – tables, chairs, portraits of local musicians, glass art and YA/YA chairs (miniature and regular). You can even commission your own special art project! The gala runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and the deadline to be listed as a patron is September 28; for more information and for tickets, call 529-3306 or visit YaYaInc.com.
The Arts Council is hosting its 2011 Community Arts Awards at a luncheon on September 20 at The Roosevelt New Orleans; chair Beverly Matheney says it’s not too late to be a sponsor – $1,200 gets you your own table. They are honoring Dave Bartholomew, Jo Ann Clevenger, Lolis Eric Elie, Freddie W. Evans, Milton Scheuermann and the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation. Your support of the Arts Council serves artists, arts organizations and businesses, and assures the growth of our cultural economy. Chairman Tom Reese, along with Pam Ryan, Tommy Lemann and Tommy Westervelt, all key members of the board, ask you to join them!
It is Fashionable New Orleanian time, so check out Mimi Bowen, CeCe Colhoun, Allen Toussaint, SuSu Stall and Beverly Matheney, all of whom are wearing what they would choose for their favorite fundraiser. Thanks to all of them for their style and what they do for our community!
If you’re planning a fundraiser, be sure to consult our Registry of Charitable Events for September through December so you don’t plan your gala the same night as another event.
“What’s Hot” has all of your favorite fall accessories from shoes to belts. Total Woman has great new items you will want to get to look fabulous this fall. Total Woman has been here for more than 30 years and carries top lines such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Milly, Trina Turk and Tracy Reese. They also have great accessories that appeal to every age group and price point, including Rebecca Minkoff and Kooba handbags, Suzi Rorher belts and their first season featuring Nicole Miller.
Coming this fall, the Hyatt New Orleans is where all the action is! Opening October 19, the hotel will feature two exquisite ballrooms. Positioned to be the new social center of New Orleans, the 25,000-square-foot Empire Ballroom is named for the city’s own historic Empire Theater. Executive Chef Eric Damidot will lead the special events team in creating custom dishes highlighting local ingredients. Visit NewOrleansHyatt.com or call 587-4131
for a personal tour!
Also, my dear friend Andy Brott will be one of five artists honored at the New Orleans Museum of Art at “LOVE in the Garden” on Friday, September 23. Visit noma.org/love.html for more information
Finally, I’m sad to report that Diane Sustendal Labouisse is leaving her post as social columnist for St. Charles Avenue. She is a great friend and I wish her well in her new endeavors.
She has done an outstanding job. Have a great September!
