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The NOCCA Institute held its Art and Soul Gala and Auction at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts on May 23. The theme for the event was Artists in Progress and paid tribute to NOCCA’s young artists, considered the heart and soul of Louisiana. The patron party kicked off at 6 p.m. and featured creative culinary treats from Domenica,
La Petite Grocery and many other area restaurants.
The Art & Soul Gala and Auction started at 7 p.m. and featured entertainment by The Michael Pellera Quartet and Johnaye Kendrick. Guests were also treated to a performance by the NOCCA Alumni All Stars.
There was a lot to do and see at the gala, including an impressive evening-long salon by NOCCA students. Delicious food was provided by New Orleans Hilton Riverside, and the generous open bar was thanks to Republic Beverage Company. Raine Bedsole, George Demmas, Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Lupin and Christie and Mitchell Mintz
co-chaired the event.
The party wouldn’t have been complete without the live and silent auctions, featuring a variety of delights. Items up for auction included a weekend stay at the Lowell Hotel in New York City, a drawing by George Dureau and two round-trip tickets from American Airlines along with home furnishings and contributions from many New Orleans restaurants and boutiques.
Sponsors for the event included the Lupin Foundation and Peoples Health. Proceeds from the event benefit the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students.
