Elise Schenck
Data News Weekly Contributor
Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA) is bringing creativity and community together once again with its Sixth Annual YALA Art Live Fundraiser, a vibrant event centered on the power of live painting and arts education.
Scheduled for Sunday, April 12, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the free event will take place at Urban South Brewery. The fundraiser invites art lovers of all ages to experience a dynamic collaboration between students and professional artists in real time.
A highlight of the event will feature students from YACS Burmaster, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts, and West Jefferson High School partnering with established New Orleans Artists Bianca Walker, Heather Mattingly, and Alina Allen. Together, they will create original works through live painting performances, offering attendees a firsthand look at the creative process.
“YALA Art Live creates a reciprocal relationship wherein students are able to interact with our broader community through the arts, and the community becomes aware of the talent and potential that exists in our New Orleans Youth,” said Jenny James, Executive Director of YALA. “We strive to help students realize the many opportunities that arts education affords them.”
In addition to live painting, the event will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including a Family Artmaking Station led by Todd Shaffer, face painting with Emerald Newsham, and a Baby ArtsPlay!™ workshop demonstration at 2 p.m. Guests can also enjoy offerings from the Urban Smash Food Truck and browse a Kendra Scott pop-up shop.
Urban South Brewery will donate a portion of every pint sold during the event to support YALA’s Arts-in-Education Programming. Additional highlights include a raffle featuring Kendra Scott Shea Statement Earrings and a framed print by artist and YALA Board Member Lionel Milton.
Proceeds from the event will help fund YALA’s early learning and afterschool programs, which currently operate at multiple sites across the Greater New Orleans area, integrating academics, arts, and culture to support student development.
With continued support from sponsors including First Horizon Bank and the Krewe of Rolling Elvi, YALA Art Live remains a growing community favorite—celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of New Orleans Artists.
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