NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) will host its popular fundraising event LOVE in the Garden Presented by Hancock Whitney on Friday, Sept. 22. Held in NOMA’s Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, LOVE in the Garden celebrates the culture and spirit of New Orleans through food, drink, and music—all in support of the museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning through the arts.
“LOVE in the Garden is a beloved New Orleans tradition, and we look forward to welcoming attendees to celebrate our city in the truly unique setting of NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden,” said Susan M. Taylor, The Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA. “We are thankful to presenting sponsor Hancock Whitney for helping us organize this important event, which raises necessary funds for NOMA’s exhibitions and programs all year round.”
“It’s an honor to support the New Orleans Museum of Art as presenting sponsor for LOVE in the Garden,” said Elizabeth Hefler, Greater New Orleans Regional President of Hancock Whitney and NOMA Trustee. “NOMA is a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape, and Hancock Whitney is delighted to be a continued partner with the museum for this one-of-a-kind event.”
Named one of the best sculpture parks in the country by USA Today’s 10Best, NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to nearly 100 sculptures by some of the most renowned artists from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries—all installed in a landscape unique to South Louisiana. In addition to offering attendees the opportunity to explore the Besthoff Sculpture Garden under the stars, LOVE in the Garden will feature festive live music from NOCCA Trio and Raw Deal.
The eighth annual LOVE in the Garden Cocktail Challenge presented by Sazerac spotlights five of the city’s most creative bartending talents, who will each present a unique drink inspired by a different type of love. This year’s challengers are Zen Castro (Latitude 29, Espiritu, and Turning Tables), Lara Desmond (DBA NOLA and USBG), Mark Griffin (Pigeon and Whale), Chris Hannah (The Bar at the Jewel of the South), and Sam Kiley (Dovetail and Turning Tables).
Featured cuisine is provided from over two dozen top New Orleans restaurants, chefs, and caterers, including Acme Oyster House, Angelo Brocato’s Italian Ice Cream and Pastry, Aunt Sally’s Pralines, Barracuda, Blue Oak BBQ, Café Degas, Café NOMA, Crescent City Brewhouse, Crescent City Steakhouse, Elizabeth’s Restaurant, G’s Pizza, Gracious Bakery and Café, Highly Seasoned Catering, Ice Cream 504, Jewel of the South, Lula Restaurant Distillery, Martin Wine Cellar, Nothing Bundt Cakes – Metairie, P.F. Chang’s, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey, Silk Road, Southern Candymakers, Swiss Confectionery, The Station Coffee Shop & Bakery, The Vintage, and Velvet Cactus.
This year’s LOVE in the Garden event committee is led by event chairs Carroll Gelderman and Carter Perrilliat with NOMA Volunteer Committee chair Elizabeth Grimes. The patron party begins at 7 p.m., and the garden party is 8–11 p.m. Attire for the event is garden party casual.
Tickets are available at noma.org/love.
