Drenched in Louisiana flora, tropical greenery, sparkling votive lighting and regal purple hues, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art welcomed approximately 400 patrons to its annual “O What A Night!” gala for an celebration of the best of Southern art, music and food in support of the museum’s award-winning educational programs.

Recipients honored with the Opus Award were William S. Arnett, Founder of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, and American Artist Lonnie Holley. The gala took place at the Ogden’s Patrick F. Taylor Library, which featured a lounge for guests to relax and socialize amongst tropical palms arranged by Thibodeaux’s Floral Studio. A tent, provided by ELEMENT, featured elegant draping and mood-setting purple uplighting, a stunning display of dripping moss, flowers and ornate chandeliers above a white dance floor, all framed by tables adorned with purple and gold décor. During the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed contemporary and innovative Southern fare, courtesy of New Orleans Chefs Mike Stoltzfus and Kristen Essig and their restaurants, Coquette and Thalia. A silent auction, sponsored by Neal Auction Company, was hung on the walls of the library, featuring works by Sarah Allen, Christa Blackwood, Bradley L. Bowers, Ashleigh Coleman, Shawn Hall, L. Kasimu Harris, Justin Lundgren, Richard McCabe, Kristin Meyers, Jack Niven, Jessica Strahan, Carl Joe Williams, Caroline Youngblood and many more.

Following the silent auction and cocktail reception, gala attendees enjoyed a seated dinner and meticulously crafted menu from James Beard award-winning Chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery and Justine. Noted trumpet player Jeremy Davenport and his band and the band Patrick and the Swayzees provided musical entertainment. Patrons had the chance to preview live auction items at the Patron Party, held on Thursday, October 17, at the home of Roger H. Ogden and Ken Barnes. Highlighted artists were Michael Deas, Dusti Bonge, Simon Gunning, Horton Humble and Skylar Fein. Mathilde and Richard Currence and Michelle and Lamar Villere served as Event Chairs.