NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Following its closure due to Hurricane Ida, the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans (CAC) announced that it will reopen its galleries on Wednesday Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. with its presentation of “SOLOS”, an exhibition of new works by CAC visual artists-in-residence located in the CAC’s 2nd floor galleries. Featured solo exhibitions include “More Yolks, Less Folks” by Ellen Bull, a costume and scenic designer working in theatre and film; “Debt.” by kai barrow, a visual and performance artist; “Finding Home Through Textiles” by Keysha Rivera, a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on textile work; and “Point Nemo Full of Mermaid Tears Hallowed Be thy Name” by J Knoblach, an artist whose combination of running cross country and track and studying feminist body art led to an interdisciplinary practice rooted in performance. “SOLOS” will be on view through Sept. 26. Patrons are encouraged to reserve gallery admissions in advance, here.
We are pleased to report that the CAC and its staff are well and, although we are still assessing the impact of the storm, the CAC building withstood Ida’s winds and the artwork inside is safe. The CAC would like to extend its thanks to the numerous individuals and entities who responded to the needs of our community as a result of Hurricane Ida. In an effort to provide communal healing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the CAC is presenting A Day of Healing, an acute trauma healing laboratory hosted by Gia M. Hamilton’s Gris Gris Lab, An Afrofuturist Apothecary,on Friday, Sept. 17, from 12 to 3 p.m.. Admission is free with RSVP. Led by local creative and healer Gia M. Hamilton, local practitioners will offer a variety of healing services by donation including acupuncture, reiki, herbalism, massage, meditation, yoga, and more. Proof of vaccine or negative COVID test is required for entry. Masks are required. Attendees must bring their own towel or yoga mat, out of COVID-19 health considerations. For more information and to support raising the vibration of our community you can contact Gris Gris Lab at hello@thegrisgrislab.com.
Other public programs in association with current exhibitions have been rescheduled to the following dates:
- Thursday, Sept. 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Virtual Panel: Behind Healing and Wholeness: Art + Health featuring Anne Collins Smith (Moderator), Daniel Burje Chonde, Ann Haley, and David W. Robinson-Morris Ph.D. Hosted on Facebook Live: RSVP Now
- Saturday, Sept. 25, 6 – 9 p.m.: Closing Reception for “SOLOS” Exhibitions of New Work by CAC Artists-in-Residence. Hosted in-person at the CAC. RSVP Now
- Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Closing day of CAC exhibitions “Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition,” and “SOLOS.” Reserve Gallery Tickets
- Sunday, Sept. 26, 2 – 4 p.m. CDT: Soothing Sunday: (Re)membering to Never Forget, a virtual healing salon that opens participants up to the possibilities of collective healing and liberation in New Orleans communities. Hosted by Ifátùmínínú Bamgbàlà Arẹs̀à, Adrione Domino, Ellenie Cruz, and Jessi Doneley. Hosted live on Zoom: RSVP Now
- Thursday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. CDT: StudioV Virtual Studio Tour with Frahn Koerner, an artist whose works are featured in “Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition.” Led by exhibition curator David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. Hosted live on Zoom: RSVP Now
- October TBA: StudioV Virtual Studio Tour with Su Ecenia, an artist whose works are featured in “Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition.” Led by exhibition curator David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. Hosted live on Zoom. Stay tuned for RSVP information to be announced soon.
Admission to the CAC will be free for Louisiana residents through September 26, 2021. Patrons are encouraged to plan their visit, reserve gallery tickets in advance, and experience art safely by wearing a mask and providing proof of vaccination or negative COVID test, which is required for admission to the CAC galleries and events. Louisiana residents may download and opt in to the LA Wallet App to show their vaccination status.
The CAC’s Artist Residency program supports New Orleans performing and visual artists with studio time, exhibition and performance opportunities, alongside technical and curatorial support for the development of new work. The program supports artist-led research that fosters the creation of new, interdisciplinary work. The new work created by the CAC’s 2021 performing artists-in-residence Jarrell Hamilton / De La SouL Dance Co., paris cyan cian, and Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth has been recorded and will be presented virtually in the Fall of 2021.
Due to the impact of Hurricane Ida and ongoing health & safety concerns related to COVID-19, the CAC is postponing its upcoming performances of Life (9/17/21) and Sacred Journey(9/18/21) by The Graduates, and the offsite performance of The Wait Room (9/24 – 9/26/21). After the closing of the current exhibitions on September 26, 2021, the CAC will reopen its galleries on October 23, 2021 as part of “Prospect.5: Yesterday we said tomorrow.”
