In the vibrant neighborhood of St. Roch, New Orleans, a celebration recently took place that exemplified the spirit of community, art, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by the NOLA Artist Incubator, Celebrate the Sign was an event to mark the unveiling of a new neighborhood sign and native plant garden, and it was nothing short of magical.

The festivities kicked off with a Sparkle Station, where attendees adorned themselves with biodegradable glitter, adding a touch of sparkle to the already warm atmosphere. As the crowd gathered, they were treated to a captivating live performance by Teena May, whose music, accompanied by a violin player, echoed through the neighborhood.

Artistry was in full bloom with folk artist Sarah Ambrose painting on panels that will soon be incorporated into a bench in the newly created green space. Her work added a colorful touch to the event, inviting onlookers to witness her talent in person as she painted.

Adding to the celebration was Angel Chung Cutno, resplendent in her regal attire as the Big Queen of the 8th Ward Black Masking Seminoles. Her presence brought a sense of tradition and heritage to the event, reminding everyone of the rich cultural tapestry that makes New Orleans truly unique.

But the celebration wasn’t just about entertainment; it was also about education and engagement. The Magical Mobile Art Cart was on-site, offering a seed bomb making station where attendees of all ages could create their own eco-friendly projectiles to promote plant growth and add biodiversity. Children were delighted by the pollinator-themed temporary tattoos, while perennial wildflowers were lovingly planted by little hands, sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

The nonprofit’s efforts were further bolstered by the support of Council Members Eugene Green, who showed up to express his solidarity with the neighborhood and its residents. His presence underscored the importance of collaboration between local government and grassroots initiatives in fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Amidst the festivities, a moment of official recognition added to the significance of the occasion. A mayoral proclamation was read aloud, declaring May 25th as St. Roch Avenue Day, a fitting tribute to the community’s resilience, creativity, and dedication to revitalizing their neighborhood. This proclamation served as a testament to the importance of celebrating local culture, ensuring that the spirit of St. Roch would be honored and remembered for years to come. With this declaration, May 25th will forever hold a special place in the hearts of residents, symbolizing unity, pride, and the promise of a vibrant future.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement and the New Orleans Culture and Recreation Fund. Their contributions helped bring the vision of Celebrate the Sign to life, uniting the community in a joyous celebration of art, culture, and sustainability.

As the event drew to a close it was clear that Celebrate the Sign had left a mark on the neighborhood, igniting a sense of creativity, camaraderie, and commitment to building a brighter future together.