Fostering and celebrating creativity is the mission of Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA). And, its 3rd annual YALA Fa La La delivered: not only did it commemorate over 60 years of arts in education, but it also seamlessly combined the spirit of the holidays with New Orleans’ love for live music, community and artistry.
It was an “amazing event benefiting the children to explore all parts of their creative minds,” said event chair Colin Sternhell.
Held on Dec. 5 at the home of Dr. Marilyn Pelias and Will Kirchheimer, a special moment of the party was the live auction which featured original artwork created collaboratively by students and professional artists. The pieces — painted during April’s YALA Art Live event at Urban South — showcased the talents of students from Young Audiences Charter School, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts and West Jefferson High School.
Young Audiences of Louisiana was founded in 1962 with the mission to inspire, empower and unite children and communities through education, arts and culture. The organization has grown from presenting school performances of chamber music to its current position as the state’s largest provider of arts-integrated and after-school programs.
Fun Fact: Longtime board member Ana Gershanik was honored at the event for 30 years of service to YALA.
