The legendary New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) celebrated the “Art & Soul” of the city with their May 18 gala, sponsored by the Lupin Foundation. The event, which also highlighted the soaring accomplishments of the school’s creative arts students, took place at its state-of-the-art institute in the Marigny.
Annie and Paul Candies, along with Ana and Juan Gershanik, co-chaired the event. Uniquely, the gala also featured three “Young Alum” co-chairs: Alexis Marceaux, Sam Craft and Gary Solomon Jr.
Guests kicked off the night with a patron party, featuring treats prepared by none other than NOCCA culinary students. NOCCA alumni and students also provided show-stopping entertainment throughout the evening. The extensive lineup included: “Young Alum” co-chairs Marceaux and Craft’s band, Alexis and the Samurai; the NOCCA Alumni All-stars; the NOCCA Jazz Trio; NOCCA musical theatre students; and a NOCCA cabaret.
The Hilton Riverside catered the main event, along with NOCCA’s own food truck, The Boxcar, which served a refreshing watermelon gazpacho.
The gala’s silent auction featured luxurious items, such as two rides in the 2015 Krewe of Orpheus Parade, a table for 10 at the Orpheuscapade Ball, as well as dinner and drinks in a luxury suite on the 50-yard line at an upcoming Saints game.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Art & Soul,” benefiting the NOCCA Institute
When: Sunday, May 18, 2014
Where: The New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts
