The eclectic community of St. Roch is soon to be home to a stunning new addition, thanks to the talented local folk artist Sarah Ambrose. Commissioned by the NOLA Artist Incubator, Sarah has brought her unique touch to the St. Roch Avenue beautification project with hand-painted bench panels that blend art, nature, and folklore. The bench, which will be installed at the intersection of St. Roch Avenue and N. Johnson Street, features an array of intricate designs inspired by traditional herbal medicine. Each panel is a work of art, highlighting the natural beauty and healing properties of plants.

Sarah has carefully chosen milk thistle, blue vervain, and passion flower for their symbolic and medicinal significance:

•Milk Thistle: Known for its liver health benefits, this plant symbolizes strength and resilience. – 

•Blue Vervain: Renowned for its ability to alleviate anxiety and support the nervous system, it represents tranquility and peace. 

•Passion Flower: Often used to promote restful sleep, it embodies calmness and relaxation.

Adorning these botanical elements are graceful egrets, a nod to environmental stewardship and the rich natural heritage of the area. The piece is a testament to the folklore of materia medica, celebrating the intersection of nature and healing in a beautifully artistic manner.

This bench is more than just a place to sit; it is a vibrant symbol of community spirit and environmental awareness. Its installation marks a significant phase in the larger beautification project sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement. This project aims to enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of St. Roch through various initiatives, including the installation of a new neighborhood sign and the creation of a native plant garden.

 Sarah Ambrose’s contribution is a perfect reflection of the project’s goals. Her artwork will not only beautify the space but it will also educate and inspire the community about the importance of plants and natural remedies. The bench serves as a gathering point, inviting residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blend of art and nature.  

The St. Roch Avenue beautification project is a collaborative effort, supported by the dedication and creativity of local artists, the NOLA Artist Incubator, and the community at large. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of enhancing and celebrating their environment. 

As we look forward to the unveiling of Sarah Ambrose’s beautifully hand-painted bench, we also celebrate the ongoing efforts to make St. Roch a more vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place for all.

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Sarah Ambrose Artist Biography

Sarah Ambrose, a self-taught artist and entrepreneur behind Nola Upcycle, channels her passion for storytelling into fanciful folk art that serves a function. Drawing inspiration from early American painted furniture, illuminated manuscripts, folklore, and the wonders of nature, she intertwines nostalgia and whimsy in her work hoping to evoke both mirth and introspection in her audience. Driven by a desire to rejuvenate bygone traditions, she often finds herself questioning if she’s a soul displaced in time, perpetually drawn to eras long past. Her art is meant to be touched, used, sat on, and played with–an open invitation to frolic, get silly, and nurture your whimsical side.

Learn more about Sarah and her work: @nolaupcycle

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