Appetite for Art returns on Thursday, November 5.

Last year we raised $83,800. This year, our goals are even more ambitious, and we can't do it without you.

CLICK HERE for sponsorship information!

What to Expect This Year

The evening kicks off with a VIP reception featuring cocktails and guest performances, followed by dinner and a live auction. Along the way, expect student performances, original artwork from students and local artists, heartfelt remarks from the families whose lives you touch, and the same warmth and joy that made last year's celebration unforgettable — now with even bigger goals in sight.

What Your Support Means

Access to arts education for all, even when schools are closed.
Nutritious meals for campers through our summer feeding initiatives.
Therapeutic supports that nurture well-being and creativity.
Leadership opportunities that empower our teens to grow as artists and community stewards.

We're excited to carry last year's momentum into this next celebration, continuing to expand access to high quality arts education and meaningful community experiences for all. Join us at Capulet for an evening of student performances, original artwork, and inspiring conversation — all in support of Upturn Arts.

We hope to see you there.

With gratitude, Dana Reed Founding Executive Director Upturn Arts

A Milestone Amount Raised

Last year, we raised $83,800, which directly supports Arts for All: access to art camps when schools are closed, our food program that feeds thousands of meals each year, art therapy through Whole Village Art Therapy, and our Teen Leadership program.

Help us reach out $100,000 Goal this year by attending, donating, or sponsoring.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor — Oscar J Tolmas Charitable Trust

Arts for All Sponsors — Pan American Life Insurance Group, Atchafalaya Restaurant

Beverage Sponsor — Goldring Family Foundation

Wine Sponsor — Artisan Fine Wines

In a city defined by creativity, Upturn Arts has quietly built one of New Orleans’ most impactful youth programs, meeting families where they are and growing with purpose since 2010. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the organization is pulling back the curtain on a story of thousands of young artists whose lives have been transformed by access to the arts.

What the Headlines Miss, Our Numbers Don’t:

Over 10,000 families have participated in Upturn Arts programs since 2010.
50% of students receive financial aid, ensuring access for all.
More than 3,500 artists have been engaged as educators, mentors, and performers, including Tank and The Bangas, Big Freedia, and David Shaw.
6,000+ meals served each summer to nourish young artists during camp.

Childcare Crisis. Creative Solutions.
With summer childcare averaging over $300 per week in Louisiana, Upturn Arts offers full-day arts programming at a fraction of the cost, reducing fees by up to 94% through a sliding scale model. Each week includes art education, meals, and trauma-informed care.

About Upturn Arts
Founded in 2010, Upturn Arts is a New Orleans-based nonprofit that provides “arts for all” through affordable programming in dance, music, visual art, and theater. With a focus on accessibility, trauma-informed care, and creative confidence, the organization serves nearly 1,000 children annually and supports the next generation of New Orleans artists.

Appetite for Art 2026

Upturn Arts’ Annual Appetite for Art Gala presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust promises to be an enchanting evening of creativity and celebration on Thursday, November 5th, 2026, at Capulet from 5:30-9:30 pm.