In The Aftermath of Hurricane Ida, The Contemporary Art Center New Orleans Will Reopen September 15, 2021 With “SOLOS” An Exhibition of New Works By CAC Artists-In-Residence; A Day Of Healing Community Gathering By Gia Hamilton's GRIS GRIS LAB

(New Orleans, LA - September 14, 2021): Following its closure due to Hurricane Ida, the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans (CAC) announced that it will reopen its galleries on Wednesday September 15, 2021 at 11 am with its presentation of “SOLOS”, an exhibition of new works by CAC visual artists-in-residence located in the CAC’s 2nd floor galleries. Featured solo exhibitions include “More Yolks, Less Folks” by Ellen Bull, a costume and scenic designer working in theatre and film; “Debt.” by kai barrow, a visual and performance artist; “Finding Home Through Textiles” by Keysha Rivera, a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on textile work; and “Point Nemo Full of Mermaid Tears Hallowed Be thy Name” by J Knoblach, an artist whose combination of running cross country and track and studying feminist body art led to an interdisciplinary practice rooted in performance. “SOLOS” will be on view through September 26, 2021. Patrons are encouraged to reserve gallery admissions in advance, here.

We are pleased to report that the CAC and its staff are well and, although we are still assessing the impact of the storm, the CAC building withstood Ida’s winds and the artwork inside is safe. The CAC would like to extend its thanks to the numerous individuals and entities who responded to the needs of our community as a result of Hurricane Ida. In an effort to provide communal healing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the CAC is presenting A Day of Healing, an acute trauma healing laboratory hosted by Gia M. Hamilton’s Gris Gris Lab, An Afrofuturist Apothecary, on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 12 to 3 pm. Admission is free with RSVP. Led by local creative and healer Gia M. Hamilton, local practitioners will offer a variety of healing services by donation including acupuncture, reiki, herbalism, massage, meditation, yoga, and more. Proof of vaccine or negative COVID test is required for entry. Masks are required. Attendees must bring their own towel or yoga mat, out of COVID-19 health considerations. For more information and to support raising the vibration of our community you can contact Gris Gris Lab at hello@thegrisgrislab.com.

Other public programs in association with current exhibitions have been rescheduled to the following dates:

Thursday, September 23, 2021, 6 – 7:30 pm: Virtual Panel: Behind Healing and Wholeness: Art + Health featuring Anne Collins Smith (Moderator), Daniel Burje Chonde, Ann Haley, and David W. Robinson-Morris Ph.D. Hosted on Facebook Live: RSVP Now

Saturday, September 25, 2021, 6 – 9 pm: Closing Reception for “SOLOS” Exhibitions of New Work by CAC Artists-in-Residence. Hosted in-person at the CAC. RSVP Now

Sunday, September 26, 2021, 10 am – 5 pm: Closing day of CAC exhibitions “Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition,” and “SOLOS.” Reserve Gallery Tickets

Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2 – 4 pm CDT: Soothing Sunday: (Re)membering to Never Forget, a virtual healing salon that opens participants up to the possibilities of collective healing and liberation in New Orleans communities. Hosted by Ifátùmínínú Bamgbàlà Arẹs̀à, Adrione Domino, Ellenie Cruz, and Jessi Doneley. Hosted live on Zoom: RSVP Now

Thursday, October 7, 2021, 5 pm CDT: StudioV Virtual Studio Tour with Frahn Koerner, an artist whose works are featured in "Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition." Led by exhibition curator David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. Hosted live on Zoom: RSVP Now

October TBA: StudioV Virtual Studio Tour with Su Ecenia, an artist whose works are featured in "Behind Every Beautiful Thing: Encountering Bodies, Wrestling the Human Condition." Led by exhibition curator David W. Robinson-Morris, Ph.D. Hosted live on Zoom. Stay tuned for RSVP information to be announced soon.

Admission to the CAC will be free ​for Louisiana residents through September 26, 2021. Patrons are encouraged to plan their visit, reserve gallery tickets in advance, and experience art safely by wearing a mask and providing proof of vaccination or negative COVID test, which is required for admission to the CAC galleries and events. Louisiana residents may download and opt in to the LA Wallet App to show their vaccination status​.​

The CAC's Artist Residency program supports New Orleans performing and visual artists with studio time, exhibition and performance opportunities, alongside technical and curatorial support for the development of new work. The program supports artist-led research that fosters the creation of new, interdisciplinary work. The new work created by the CAC’s 2021 performing artists-in-residence Jarrell Hamilton / De La SouL Dance Co., paris cyan cian, and Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth has been recorded and will be presented virtually in the Fall of 2021.​

Due to the impact of Hurricane Ida and ongoing health & safety concerns related to COVID-19, the CAC is postponing its upcoming performances of Life (9/17/21) and Sacred Journey (9/18/21) by The Graduates, and the offsite performance of The Wait Room (9/24 - 9/26/21).

After the closing of its current exhibitions on September 26, 2021, the CAC will reopen its galleries on October 23, 2021 as part of “Prospect.5: Yesterday we said tomorrow.”

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About the CAC

The CAC is a multidisciplinary arts center that is dedicated to the presentation, production, and promotion of the art of our time. The CAC is a cultural leader. As such, it organizes, presents, and tours curated exhibitions, performances and programs by local, regional, national, and international artists. It demonstrates proactive local and regional leadership by educating children and adults, cultivating and growing audiences, and initiating and encouraging collaboration among diverse artists, institutions, communities, and supporters. Museum admission is free on Sundays for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Children and students through Grade 12 and under receive free admission, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. The CAC is located at 900 Camp Street, and can be reached by phone at 504 528-3805. For more information about CAC and to sign up for email updates, visit cacno.org.

Media Contact:

Laura B. Tennyson, Associate Director of Communications
Contemporary Arts Center
(504) 319-9943 | LTennyson@cacno.org
900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130