What school has graduated such creative forces as Terence Blanchard, Harry Connick Jr., Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet and Anthony Mackie?
The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, which opened its doors 50 years ago.
On May 18, the NOCCA Foundation hosted the Art & Soul “1974” Gala presented by the Meraux Foundation at NOCCA. (Guests were encouraged to wear ‘70s attire or jazzy casual.)
The gala went all out to showcase the arts, starting with the school’s jazz students, who performed at the entrance to welcome guests. Tarriona “Tank” Ball with NOCCA alum Mark-Anthony Thomas performed at the patron party; NOCCA alum Gladney and Xavier Reed and NOCCA Alumni All-Stars at the gala. Gladney also did a DJ set to close out the night.
Other offerings included the school’s Visual Arts students drawing complimentary portraits and Culinary Arts students and faculty doing the vast majority of the catering, with help from Chef Stephen Stryjewski and Langenstein’s.
Event co-chairs were Marie and James Cahn, Ann and Virgil Duplessis, and Ida and Floyd James.
Fun Fact: NOCCA’s Culinary Arts students often pass hors d’oeuvres during the gala, but this year, they decided to up their game and move to roving carts. The cannoli cart in particular was such a hit that students are expanding their cart lineup for 2025!
