On the cover

At this year’s Young Aspirations/Young Artists fundraiser, young artists from area schools are encouraging patrons to “Just Say YA/YA!” – and put good use to their dollars.

“Just Say YA/YA,” the organization’s 2nd annual fundraiser, will feature hand painted chairs by YA/YA artists, as well as other pieces the students have been working on throughout the year. Funds will directly benefit the students involved, helping to teach them to be role models for their community as burgeoning entrepreneurs.

Featured on this month’s cover are Jana Napoli, the founder of YA/YA; Rontherin Ratliff, Production Manager of YA/YA; Paul Wright, a YA/YA guild artist; and event co-chairs Bev Church and Cathy Bienvenu. The unique organization, started in 1988 by artist Napoli, offers students ages 13 to 25 training from arts professionals and entrepreneurial opportunities in which they are commissioned for their work. Students also participate in national and international workshops, opening networking relationships as they build their early careers. YA/YA reaches more than 600 Orleans Parish students a year with its outreach programs.

The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, July 22, at The 12 Bar on 608 S. Peters St., 7:30-9:30 p.m. Get there early to select your favorite pieces and to offer even more support to these aspiring artists; the patron party will be held at 6:30 p.m., and will feature a surprise guest artist, musicians, and appetizers. For more information,
call 529-3306.
 

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