“Just Say YAYA” welcomed 300 partygoers to the YAYA Arts Center for the annual benefit and arts showcase supporting Young Aspirations/Young Artists. More than $76,000 was raised through contributions, a live auction and art sales.
The Patron Party featured hors d’oeuvres by Dickie Brennan’s, live music and a glassblowing demonstration.
The industrial chic fête spread out over the campus of the arts center, from the open courtyard framed with string lights to the glass studio where guests could mingle and the Gore Family Foundation Gallery filled with original art by YAYA youth artists and local professional artists. Upstairs, the Ruth E. Fertel Eco-Garden donated by Randy Fertel, a sculpture garden in the large balcony that mimics a bayou, featured colorful painted flooring, a cabin facade build out from the wall and wooden planters. The mixed media studio, a classroom and workspace for YAYA artists, was set up as an exhibition of students’ work, featuring works in glass, ceramics and painting.
Food was provided by Open Hands, Twelve Mile Limit and private caterers, and NOLA Brewing donated beer. Brother Tyrone and the Mindbenders provided musical entertainment.
The live auction, hosted by Andrew Ward, featured a vacation stay in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico; a painting by Wayne Amedee; a painting by Alexis Walter; a private chef experience with chef Ryan Hughes; a fused glass panel by Laurel Porcari; and a print by Frenchy.
Vivian Cahn, Paige Royer and Danielle Coco served as Event Chairs
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Just Say YAYA: YAYA Goes Gardening,” benefiting Young Aspirations/Young Artists
When: Friday, November 18, 2016
Where: YAYA Arts Center