More than 200 attendees enjoyed the “Poydras Home Patron Party & Art Exhibition,” which presented a new event format for Poydras Home this year: a solo fine art exhibitor with one guest artisan.
This year’s solo exhibiting artist, Billy Solitario, received his M.F.A. in painting from Tulane University in 2003 and can now frequently be found working at his Magazine Street studio or on the site of the landscapes he paints. Referring to himself as a “classic realist,” he explores subjects including landscapes, portraits and still life paintings, and finds inspiration in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast: the Mississippi River, the rainbow of colors found in crabs, oysters and crawfish and small slivers of land beneath the magnitude of the sky and clouds.
Evelyn Jordan, guest sculptor, employs a meandering exploration technique with her clay work. Her functional work includes wheel-thrown teapots, teacups, bowls and dinnerware with a playful alteration to surface and form that is secondary to function. Through sculpture, Jordan aims to spark a moment of active imagination in the viewer.
The 24th annual Patron Party invitation highlighted a large scale scenic Gulf painting by Solitario titled “Mackerel Clouds Last Night,” which was available for sale the night of the event. Additionally, on October 5th, Jordan led a clay activity with Poydras Home residents whose finished, ivory-glazed work was on display at the Patron Party.
Musical entertainment was provided by Deacon John. A host of 12 local restaurants, dessert and beverage purveyors catered the program. The event was Chaired by Margo Moss.
Event at a Glance
What: 24th annual “Patron Party & Art Exhibition,” benefiting Poydras Home
When: Thursday, November 1, 2018
Where: Poydras Home
CEO Robert Prehn Ph.D. and Donna Flower
Patron Party Committee Member Jane Dupuy, Marion and Susan Bright and Patron Party Committee Chairman Margo Moss