Getting smART with Art

Jim Perrier and Jim Ashbee hosted the annual “Cocktails for KID smART” fundraiser, “Dreams Take Flight,” at their home on Thursday, November 8. Their refashioned mansion and exquisite art collection was the perfect backdrop to toast to event’s 10th anniversary of raising funds for the development of children’s arts education and programming.

The nonprofit organization set a record in raising 108 percent of their goal, thanks to the 175 guests who attended. Partygoers enjoyed music from the internationally renowned Norbert Slama Trio and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Joel Catering. Urban Earth provided breathtaking floral arrangements to complement the astounding art on the walls.

Simon Gunning, a native of Australia and resident of New Orleans for over 25 years, was named the Featured Artist of the event. His stunning and intricately detailed oil painting, “Bayou Coquille,” features a white bird soaring over the green expanse of the bayou. All event sponsors and patrons received a signed, limited edition giclée of the event’s invitation art.

KID smART has grown from a Saturday program serving 20 children in 1999 to an arts education initiative serving six communities, 12 schools and almost 3,000 children. Their focus of arts integration, the linkage of art to an existing academic curriculum, complements different learning styles in the classroom and improves local schools.


Event at a Glance

WHAT

“Dreams Take Flight,” the 10th annual “Cocktails for KID smART”

WHEN

Thursday, November 8

WHERE

Home of Jim Perrier and Jim Ashbee

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