“I can not thank you enough for the support I’ve received from you and your organization. It feels like such a beautiful gift for which I am deeply grateful…It is great to know that someone cares enough to reach out to so many of us at such a vulnerable time.”
—George Long, photographer
“Having caring organizations like the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation helping those of us rebuilding and recovering from Katrina and Rita is truly uplifting and soulful in these difficult times.”
—Karoline M. Schleh, painter
“So much ugliness and negativity from the aftermath of the storms makes art and cultural support even more significant. Art provides a positive affirmation for the beauty in human spirit.”
—Dr. Hedwig Irene Gorski, writer
“Thank you for helping to support a small business in the Arts that was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina and her aftermath…We love being able to supply Louisiana artists with the tills that they need to help in keeping the rich culture of New Orleans alive and thriving. Your grant has helped us in our efforts to do this.”
—Forstall Art Supplies, small business
“My personal experience with the LCEF has helped to revitalize my optimism for the city. Knowing there are people who spend their time and money helping the artists of New Orleans instills a sense of future, and forward is the only way out of our despair.”
—George Nakajima, artist & craftsman
“Thank you very much for the support and advocacy you have extended toward tradition bearers from the Mardi Gras Indian and Social and Pleasure Club communities. You are making a difference.”
—Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Mardi Gras Indian
“Many people lost everything they had and are still trying to rebuild their lives. In the “Indians” case, most of us were affected in ways that have threatened the continuation of this unique American cultural tradition…But things must go on and the “Indians” have a long road back to re-establishing the flourishing culture they had evolved before Katrina. This, along with helping to put our lives back together, is where these grants are going to prove most valuable.”
—Ray Blazio “Hatchet”, Mardi Gras Indian
“Thank you for supporting Vella Vetro Art Glass. Because of this grant we are able to participate in JazzFest! It is because of your grant we can be a part of this great tradition! Thank you for your support of local business.”
—Vella Vetro Art Glass, small business
“I have no words sufficient to express my gratitude…With no hyperbole whatsoever, this grant will probably make the difference in our existence as a series. We will still be limping, but we will limp toward recovery now, and not toward failure… On behalf of the committee that runs this series, thank you very much.”
—Mary Richardson, Coordinator McNeese State University, Banner Series
“This award came at the perfect time; I was getting very discouraged not knowing where to turn…The grant award is greatly appreciated.”
—Javier’s Dance Studio, small business
“I have completed a novella, a short story, and several essays since my return to New Orleans, and I am about to begin a new novel. The added financial security provided by your grant had been instrumental in helping me get back to work…Thank you so much for your help. I’ll always remember and appreciate it.”
—Poppy Z. Brite, writer
“Costume designing is my life and not having a working machine on top of all other stresses was a bit overbearing. I used the funds to buy an embroidery machine/sewing machine. I’m so excited that I can’t even express it fully. This is going to dramatically improve my work.”
—Jacquelyn Mang, costume designer
“It was because of the funding from LCEF that allowed me to advance my Jazz Festival booth and buy supplies and gave me the ‘band-aid financial bridge’ that I needed to make contact with the people that are offering me this amazing opportunity during the next 4 months… I will be forever grateful for this help that you have given to me.”
—Bedonna Wakeman, artist
“Thank you so much for the assistance… I am happy to report that I remain a full time free lance photographer. Although my income has decreased sharply since Hurricane Katrina, I have at least been able to pay my monthly expenses. Your grant will go a long way to helping me maintain that status.”
—Alex Demyan, photographer
“I received my grant and it is greatly appreciated. The storm really took its toll on my selling paintings, sales are just starting to pick up a little. I’ve used my grant money to buy art supplies. Thank ya’ll for doing your part to help.”
—Charlotte Lewis, painter
“My studio was flooded with 5.5 feet of water so I lost nearly all of my artwork, tools, and supplies. This money will go a long way in helping me replace some of those lost materials as well as to purchase what I need to continue making new work…The support of the LCEF will go a long way towards helping me to reestablish and sustain my artistic practice in the midst of the rebuilding of this wonderful city I so dearly love.”
—Kyle Sirman, printmaker
“I am very pleased that I have received the foundation grant, and this has come in a great time of need. Since Katrina I have been displaced in Fayetteville, GA and struggle as a musician in the local area. Soon I will be returning to New Orleans to begin my life as a local musician once again… Thank you.”
—Sebastian Weston, musician
“My family and I would like to personally thank the Board of Directors of LCEF for your kind hearted efforts in helping us to receive this grant. It plays a significant role in rebuilding our lives.”
—Rasheed Akbar, musician
“It is gratifying to be recognized as a visual artist…I am staying in New Orleans and committed to rebuilding not only my home and studio but the fabric of our culture that we so depend upon.”
—Cynthia Scott, artist
“On behalf of Saint Joseph Arts, Inc. I wish to thank the LCEF for giving us the much needed grant award. We have had a very difficult financial year and the funds helped us greatly in providing payment to our music teachers. We have been taking one month at a time for the past 12 months and appreciate your assistance so very much.”
—Cecil Evans, Director St. Joseph Arts, Inc.
“The past year has been a tremendous challenge for out entire community. The New Orleans cultural community is fortunate to have the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation’s commitment and guidance. Again, many thanks for your generosity.”
—Peggy Laborde, President Longue Vue House and Gardens
