This year my company had a very dear employee retire who had been with us for over 40 years. Although we’re sad to see him go, we wanted to thank him for all of his hard work by giving him a very special gift that he could always look to as a reminder of his time with our company. So after much thought we decided to have a portrait created of him “cupping coffee.” Cupping coffee is similar to wine tasting and was one of his specialties at our company. As we started brainstorming on where to go to commission such a thing, my colleague said, “Why don’t we just walk down to Jackson Square?”
What a brilliant idea! That afternoon we walked to the famed artist colony and perused the different paintings hanging on the black iron fence. I have walked past these vendors several times, but it has been a while since I stopped and actually looked at the craftsmanship of these artists. Each vendor had a different style, story and inspiration. Some of the vendors had even been in the square for generations learning the craft from their mother or father. We finally settled on a local artist whose style was similar to James Mouton, and she did an amazing job.
It is mind blowing to think about all the wonderful artists who have been inspired by New Orleans: Edgar Degas, George Rodrigue and James Michalopoulos to name just a few. (Actually, Michalopoulos started his career painting portraits in Jackson Square for $3 a pop!) So the next time you’re looking for a piece of local art head down to the French Quarter; you never know, your purchase may become a huge investment!
Daniel and Adeline Weidner and Louise, Joe and Frances Mann with Parker, Regan and Rollins Leopold
The Recess Club of New Orleans held its annual Christmas party this year at Rock ‘n’ Bowl. The members invited their children and grandchildren to have lunch, bowl and mingle with the other guests. Among those guests were the boys from the Waldo Burton home, who were all very excited to show off their bowling skills. The Waldo Burton home is a nonprofit private home that has housed boys in need since 1824. The Recess Club invites the Waldo Burton boys every year to enjoy the Christmas festivities and sends them home with the Christmas gift of their choice. The boys were very happy and made sure to thank the Recess Club and its president Storey Charbonnet.
Patrick Browne, David de Laureal, James Montgomery and Hyder Brewster
They are back! Brothers Jonathan and David de Laureal have moved back to New Orleans. To celebrate their homecoming everyone gathered at their parents’ house for a welcome home party. Guests caught up with David and Jonathan over sushi, fried oysters and cocktails.
Anne and Edmund Redd with Jonathan de Laureal
The first “Renegade Bridal Fair” was held this year at the Beauregard-Keyes House. Hosts Ella Camburnbeck, House Director for the Beauregard-Keyes house, Hattie Moll of Hattie Sparks and Molly Pittman of Loomed NOLA wanted to create a space so brides could “shop local every step down the aisle.” Laura Rockett was on hand to take pictures of the fair that featured vendors from Tisa Beauty Bar, Wedding Belles and Judy’s at the Rink among many more.
Valerie Gernhauser of Sapphire Events
Julia Hohne of Mrs. Vintage
