Earning an "A" for Arts
Its exhibit of contemporary Cuban art ends on March 4, but the reputation of the Newcomb Art Gallery keeps growing. The Cuban exhibit, part of citywide festival of cultural events, is one example of the collaborative work that is bringing the gallery a Community Arts Award.
In recognition of its service to the New Orleans community, the Newcomb Art Gallery has earned a Community Arts Award.
The Arts Council of New Orleans has chosen the gallery as one of three organizations that "have made outstanding contributions to the arts in New Orleans." The awards will be presented at a gala luncheon on May 5.
"These individuals and organizations represent the high caliber of creative work happening across the city of New Orleans and demonstrate the impact the arts have made in bettering the New Orleans community," said Mary Len Costa, interim president and CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans, said.
Gallery director Charles Lovell credited the work of his "incredibly diligent, hardworking staff" in making the award possible. "We have worked hard to make a difference and make the gallery a prominent artistic and cultural mecca for New Orleans."
The current Cuban art exhibit was a partnership between the Newcomb Art Gallery and the New Orleans Museum of Art, with the accompanying Si Cuba events involving scores of art galleries and cultural organizations across the city.
Now Lovell and his staff are at work on their next big event, Joan Mitchell: Works on Paper, taking place March 31â“June 27 and organized by New York's Cheim & Read Gallery in cooperation with the Joan Mitchell Foundation. A national symposium linked to the exhibit also will take place at Tulane in April, Lovell said.
Other groups winning Community Arts Awards are the Anthony Bean Community Theatre & Acting School and the Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble. Individual honorees include glass artist Mitchell Gaudet, philanthropist Stewart Farnet, teacher Diana Bolyston and jazz musician Lionel Ferbos.
