The NOCCA Institute’s annual “Art & Soul” Gala offered top-notch entertainment featuring NOCCA alumni throughout the entire program, spanning from Press Street Station to 5 Press Gallery, the Solomon Family Hall and the block party along historic Homer Plessy Way. “Art & Soul” raises funds to support the programs of The NOCCA Institute, NOCCA’s nonprofit partner.
The Patron Party, focused primarily in Solomon Family Hall, featured a special performance by Alexis and the Samurai. When the gala began and the Sasha Masakowski Family Quartet took the stage, the block party on Homer Plessy Way kicked off, too. NOCCA Jazz students performed along Homer Plessy Way, along with Visual Arts students drawing improv portraits and Creative Writing students penning on-the-spot poems.
The event was emceed by Charles Divins from WDSU News. Also in attendance were “Art & Soul” Co-Chairs Boo Randle, NOCCA Institute Board Treasurer Clayton Randle, and Sophia Germer, who provided the cover art for this year’s invitation.
The silent and live auctions featured vacation packages, artwork and one-of-a-kind experiences. Highlights of the live auction included week-long stays in Italy and Spain, rides in the 2020 Krewe of Orpheus parade and a Jaune Flyer Serigraph by Michalopoulos. Auctioneers were Dan Pruksarnukul, a NOCCA Musical Theatre faculty member, and Claire Elizabeth Thriffley, an “Art & Soul” Committee Member and owner of Claire Elizabeth Gallery.
Event at a Glance
What: “Art & Soul,” benefiting The NOCCA Institute
When: Saturday, March 23
Where: Press Street Station, 5 Press Gallery, Solomon Family Hall and along historic Homer Plessy Way
Nan and Britt Galloway
David Hecht, Rebecca Hart and Steve Scandurro
Floyd and Rita Gue
Jennifer and Will Samuels
Stephen Stryjewski and David Slater
