Since 2010, Upturn Arts has provided access to arts education — dance, music, visual arts and theater — for young people across New Orleans, particularly those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
On Nov. 13, the organization hosted its annual Appetite for Art Gala presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust to commemorate 15 years of inspiring creativity in New Orleans youth.
The Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust honored Upturn Arts by initiating the “Standing Ovation Award,” which was presented to the Positive Vibrations Foundation, which purchased 15 drums for Upturn Arts 15 years ago.
The event also featured student performances with Cha Wa; a seated dinner catered by Capulet, where the event was held; and silent and live auctions featuring original artwork from New Orleans’ artists. Local artist John Bukaty contributed 10 painted plates each sold for $500, which benefitted the organization’s summer food program partnership with Boucherie restaurant.
Additional proceeds from the event benefit Upturn’s arts camps, art therapy through Whole Village Art Therapy, the Teen Leadership program and the food program that feeds local students thousands of meals during year.
Event co-chairs were Deanna Lind and Jennifer Amedee.
Fun Fact: According to Upturn Arts: “When thinking of an ‘upturn,’ one might envision a stock chart that has jumped up in price in one day, minute or second. That chart is much like young artists’ experience in Upturn Arts’ programs. They create, create, and create — then one day, minute, or second, they experience an ‘upturn’ – that ‘aha’ moment of ‘I did it!’, ‘Look at me!’ and ‘I’m so proud of myself!’”
