NEW ORLEANS – The life and art of Frida Kahlo will be the theme on April 22 as City Park Conservancy (CPC) and the New Orleans Town Gardeners (NOTG) host the Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon presented by First Horizon Bank in the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
The annual fundraiser brings together community leaders, philanthropists and friends of the park for a festive gourmet lunch benefiting the Park’s historic urban forest, and the community programs supported by the New Orleans Town Gardeners.
“First Horizon Bank is proud to support the Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon and the meaningful work of City Park Conservancy and the New Orleans Town Gardeners,” said Jimmy Dunn, New Orleans market president for First Horizon Bank. “Events like this highlight the power of community coming together to preserve and enhance one of New Orleans’ most treasured spaces. We are honored to be part of an initiative that not only celebrates culture and creativity but also invests in the sustainability and beauty of our city for generations to come.”
Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon features live entertainment from Julio and Cesar, Hampton Water Rosé, curated three-course lunch, a jewelry raffle presented by Friend & Company Fine Jewelers, and a Chapeaux Hat Adornment Station. This year’s luncheon is chaired by Lynn Isacks, Jenny Odinet, and Virginia Rowan, with Stephanie Feoli and Cathy Pierson serving as honorary co-chairs.
“The Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon is one of our most anticipated spring traditions, known for its vibrant colors, exquisite botanicals and, of course, stunning hats,” said Rebecca Dietz, president and CEO of CPC. “This year, we’re excited to celebrate Frida Kahlo while showcasing our beloved gardens. Since partnering with the New Orleans Town Gardeners in 2018, we’ve had the opportunity to continue to care for our urban forest and creating meaningful community experiences.”
This year’s theme, “A Celebration of Frida Kahlo,” honors the life and art of the Mexican icon, bringing her bold, imaginative art to life as the gardens transform into a tapestry of color and inspiration. Guests will enjoy a lively keynote from James Oles, a distinguished scholar and curator of Latin American art, renowned for his expertise in modern Mexican visual culture.
James’ lecture will explore how Frida Kahlo invented her iconic look and also how it captivated admirers during her lifetime and beyond. Oles is also a consulting curator for the new exhibit, Frida: The Making of an Icon, at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Lunch attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a trip to Houston that includes a guided tour of the exhibit with Oles and a curated dining and garden experience. Availability is limited.
“This fundraiser is not only a joyful event each year, it’s vitally important to achieving our mission of instilling the love and knowledge of gardening and funding the projects that we undertake to improve the quality of the environment for our neighbors in this region,” said Virginia Rowan, NOTG president. “Through this partnership with City Park Conservancy, we are able to raise funds to support dozens of educational and conservation programs that benefit our communities now and for generations to come.”
For more information, and to join the fundraiser wait list, visit NewOrleansCityPark.org.