There are moments in a life in the arts that rise beyond exhibitions, beyond sales, even beyond career milestones.
They feel like legacy.
Like leaving a fingerprint of joy on the cultural soul of a city you love.
Standing alongside artist
@fnnch as we brought this monumental public sculpture into the world was one of those moments.
This is more than a sculpture.
It is a permanent love letter in metal and paint to the resilient, playful spirit of New Orleans.
With his unmistakable artistic voice, fnnch drew, designed, and personally painted what is now the largest artist-painted permanent freestanding sculpture in Louisiana history.
Twelve feet tall.
Bold enough to stop traffic.
Joyful enough to stop time.
Behind the scenes, the process was raw, physical, and deeply human.
Sarah and I were honored to serve as makeshift studio assistants — maneuvering massive stencils in the open-air Slidell studio of local artist, sculptor, and master metal fabricator Scott Hebert
@scott.hebert , whose craftsmanship made vision into reality.
This project exists because of belief.
Belief in artists.
Belief in public art.
Belief that beauty belongs in everyday life.
We are profoundly grateful to philanthropists Henry and Pat Shane, whose generosity covered fabrication costs and allowed this work to be gifted to the people of Greater New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. Their vision ensures that thousands will encounter wonder in the middle of an ordinary day.
A heartfelt thank you as well to Councilman Hans Liljeberg
@councilmanliljeberg for his instrumental support in helping transform an ambitious dream into a civic landmark.
Public art reshapes the emotional landscape of a city.
It reminds us culture does not live only in museums or galleries.
It lives on our streets.
In our neighborhoods.
In the shared experience of looking up and smiling together.
You can experience this new landmark of joy now on Veterans Boulevard in Metairie near Trader Joe’s.
Drive by. Walk up. Bring your family. Feel what happens when art belongs to everyone.
#PublicArtMatters #NewOrleansCulture #ArtForEveryone #LouisianaArt #CommunityThroughArt
