Initially conceived as an elegant event for a few hundred guests in a private home, the CAC’s “SweetArts 2020” was transformed into a series of small dinner parties of no more than 25 guests that were hosted by couples in open-air settings to adhere to safety and social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series of intimate events spanned into 2021 and included such creative gatherings as “Perfect Pairings,” “Candlearia,” “Down by The River Shack,” “How to Throw An Al Fresco Dinner Party (In the Time of Covid)” and a “Mid-Century Jazz Fest Soirée.”
The theme, “CHANGES: Into a Radiant Future,” aimed at highlighting transformation as the CAC ushered in a new decade with new leadership, a refined focus on contemporary creativity, a commitment towards fostering artistic excellence and renewed support for the visionary leaders of the New Orleans arts community.
The December 5, 2020 program, “How to Throw An Al Fresco Dinner Party (In the Time of Covid),” offered an evening garden party in an art-filled private home on Audubon Park with art installations by Aimée Farnet Siegel.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a seated dinner offered at tables separated by couple or by pod. The dishes were created by Jason Goodenough, Chef and Owner of the former Carrollton Market.
Rich Collins, Shout Young and Derek Huston provided music and dancing, which ended the night.
Lead sponsors included AOS, Domain Companies and Phelps Dunbar.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “SweetArts 2020: CHANGES: Into A Radiant Future – How To Throw An Alfresco Dinner Party (In The Times of Covid),” benefiting the CAC
When: Saturday, December 5, 2020
Where: Home of Michael Siegel and Aimée Farnet Siegel
Katherine Gelderman, Josh Mayer and Jill Dupre
Steve and Suzanne Dumez
Trip Russ, Rebecca Cooley and Clayton Rosenthal
Barbara Motley and Gregg Porter
