EDITOR Michaela Bechler
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dora Sison
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandy Stein
SALES Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston, Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas
CONTENT PRODUCER Marigny Lanaux
CONTRIBUTORS Misty Milioto, Sarah Ravits
TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Emma Da Via, Tiana Watts
CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
Sp ringtime in New Orleans is undeniably one of the best times of the year. We’re officially done with “winter,” survived and thrived during Mardi Gras, and have spent March recovering, spring cleaning, and battling the random cold front. I’m planning to spend as much time outside in April as possible — dining outside, enjoying cocktails on the porch, and attending the many festivals and outdoor events.
You’ll see this idea of getting outside throughout this issue of The Pearl . Susu Stall and Lauren Flower, the chairwomen of this year’s Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do and Zoo-To-Do for Kids P resented by Manning Family Children’s, grace our cover and tell us all about the fabulous events taking place in just a few weeks at Audubon Zoo in Out & About . The 2025 Zoo-To-Do events celebrate the return of the zebras which will share a space with the giraffes (the two species get along great!) and will feature great music, food, and fun.
In this month’s Let’s Thrive , we’ve rounded up great ways to enjoy nature in New Orleans and all that it has to offer, from visiting Longue Vue House and Gardens to visiting your local library for free seed packets. It’s the perfect way to spend Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22) or any other day! We also cover Palm Orleans, a local fabrics and wallcoverings design company, that is inspired by the magic of New Orleans and captures the city’s spirit in beautiful ways. Peek inside the Bayou St. John headquarters and get founder Beetle Hillery’s take on current design trends in Pattern Play.
And if you’re in the mood to shop, we’ve rounded up everything you need for festival season in Live Your Fest Life . We also explored the current fruit trend (trust us, you’ll see lemons, watermelon, and cherries everywhere now!) and sourced adorable bunnies and Easter products for your baskets and beyond. — Michaela Bechler
Currently reading:
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
Excited for:
Kacey Musgraves on Friday, April 25, at Jazz Fest!
Inspired by:
Megan Lightell and her unique painting process (learn more on pg. 25!).
While I’m not an artist, I’m excited to get crafty this season and am keen to take my work outside.
Can’t stop eating: Bayou Bagel Company!
The local favorite now has its own shop (3625 Prytania Street) open Wednesday-Sunday. The rosemary garlic flavor is my go-to bagel.
Cool new spot:
The Batture — enjoy a nice breeze and great options from local food trucks. There isn’t much shade, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat!
THE CENTER OF THE GARDEN DISTRICT SINCE 1884
Once Upon a
Move over “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” there’s a new nursery rhyme in town! My Baby’s So Sweet , a children’s book capturing the sweetness of “Baby’s” favorite foods, is available for purchase anywhere online that sells books. Written by Margaret McCoy and illustrated by her friend Anna Mary Hollis (fun fact: the two are married to best friends!), the children’s book is based on a rhyme that Margaret came up with when her daughter Moxie was starting to eat food and features New Orleans staples throughout. Since Margaret and her two (soon to be three) children are avid readers, writing a book always seemed like a fun idea to her. When Anna Mary mentioned she was interested in illustrating children’s books, the idea began to turn into a reality. “Anna Mary and I created this to have art out in the world, and with no expectation of the outcome,” Margaret shared. “It was more like a moment of ‘wouldn’t it be cool if...’, and here we are! I am over-themoon for this entire experience.”
When Margaret isn’t writing an adorable book, you can find her working with her husband on their fishing charter and lodging business in Shell Beach; feeding the ducks in City Park; practicing yoga; and experiencing live music with her family, especially during festival season.
— Michaela Bechler
For fashion-minded New Orleanians, Tulane University’s annual Fashion Show provides the perfect dose of creativity. On Sunday, April 27, TU Fashion student designers will debut 20 unique and impactful looks for the runway inside the Lavin-Bernick Center. This year’s theme is “Bull and Bear” and draws inspiration from finance, business, and corporate environments. “The collection challenges traditional business tropes and ideologies, creatively reinterpreting the dynamic nature of the business world, and the symbolism of market fluctuations,” Danielle Kamlet, Director of External Affairs, shared. “Guests can expect extravagant, elegant, and thought-provoking pieces that push the boundaries of conventional business attire.”
The annual show is a year-long effort between the executive show board, student designers, and production teams. TU Fashion, which was founded in 2020, actively hosts and participates in other events throughout the year including New Orleans Fashion Week, clothing drives in partnership with Ryan’s Giving Tree, and hosting designers like Stuart Weitzman for seminars. — M.B.
29 MCALISTER DRIVE
The story of the “unsinkable” Titanic has fascinated people for decades. Exhibition Hub’s Titanic: An Immersive Voyage is a new captivating experience where visitors can learn about the ship’s contribution to history, from its magnificent construction and the story of its passengers to exploring the shipwreck through a virtual reality experience.
Executive Producer John Zaller has been interested in the Titanic since childhood, creating related exhibitions for over 25 years. “What makes this story so special really is the stories of those passengers…the deeper you look, the more you uncover,” John shared. “There is always something new to learn about Titanic.” The 60 to 90-minute experience features significant artifacts, room re-creations, compelling recounts, colorized photographs, and video animations, as well as discusses the lasting impact of the Titanic and honors victims. Titanic: An Immersive Voyage is open every day except Tuesdays and will continue operating through the summer months. — Marigny Lanaux
619 CARONDELET STREET #621
Calling all history buffs! The French National Orchestra of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is organizing a musical and immersive tour throughout the United States to celebrate the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the US 50 years after the Revolutionary War. The tour will focus on the key cities and landmarks of Lafayette’s visit in 1825 including a stop in New Orleans on Sunday, April 13, at the Orpheum Theater. Expect a sound and light experience retracing his travels at the beginning of the concert. — M.B.
129 ROOSEVELT WAY
There’s a new exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and it surrounds a concept New Orleanians are quite familiar with: masquerading. New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations spotlights four contemporary artists — Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi — who have worked across West Africa in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. On display are 13 full, head-to-toe ensembles composed of materials such as wood, cloth, sequins, and feathers! Photography, recorded interviews, and relevant video clips will also be a part of the installation. New African Masquerades will remain on view until August 10, 2025. — M.L.
1 COLLINS C. DIBOLL CIRCLE
Although New Orleans has a bustling nightlife, there’s a lack of chic, late-night dining spots. Thankfully, the team behind Devil Moon BBQ and Brewery Saint X has created Junebug, a new after-hours dining destination perfectly placed downtown! Led by Executive Chef Shannon Bingham, expect elevated bar snacks like Loaded Baked Potato Pierogies and a Pâté Melt which pairs well with the fruit-forward cocktail menu crafted by Bar Director Sophie Burton.
The downtown space once housed the Jazz City Studio, where notable artists like Allen Toussaint and The Meters shaped funk music in the 1970s. The music-filled atmosphere flows through the swanky bar, multiple dining areas, a partially covered courtyard, and a private event space. Junebug opens nightly at 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays), with the kitchen operating all night long. — M.L.
744 CAMP STREET
Looking for somewhere that’s both fun and fulfilling for children and adults? Create & Play Club offers a comfortable space to connect, play, learn, and meet other families without any stress or mess. The club was founded by Shelby Lopinto after she struggled to find engaging activities for her young children and saw a gap in the market. The first location debuted on Metairie Road in May 2024 and recently opened its Magazine Street location in March 2025.
Guests can experience the club in several ways including through 20–30-minute classes like culinary exploration and toddler yoga; popups from local businesses, authors, and experts; birthday parties; and open play which offers little ones the chance to explore, move, and play on their own terms. They even have coffee on tap for the sleep-deprived adults! The club offers drop ins, memberships, and class packages that cover the entire family including siblings and caregivers. — M.B.
5419 MAGAZINE STREET | 2564 METAIRIE ROAD SUITE 103
BY SARAH RAVITS
Ap ril in New Orleans is always a breath of fresh air, coinciding with springtime blooms, festivals galore, and other fun events taking place all over the city. It’s also a month to embrace the outdoors and support local environmental efforts — and maybe even work on your green thumb. Here are a few programs that champion worthy causes and make our city a little greener.
Old Metairie’s Longue Vue House and Gardens is a historic house and museum best known for its sprawling gardens and green space. In recent years, it’s ramped up its community programming with art exhibits, gardening classes, yoga, and live music events. Highlights in April include its Saturday “Family Garden Walks” which are included with garden admission. Native plant specialist and gardener Chris Booth serves as a garden guide and shares fun facts about the history of the mansion and helps participants learn more about plants. The garden walks start at 11 a.m. General garden admission is free for members and children 3 and under and $15 for adults.
7 BAMBOO ROAD | LONGUEVUE.COM
The Crescent City Farmers Market nonprofit oversees small, local markets in neighborhoods around the city, and they are great to check out whether you’re in need of a postwork snack or up for doing major grocery shopping and meal prep for the week.
They’re also a lifeline for local farmers and independent vendors — and being New Orleans, often you’ll find live entertainment, whether it’s a local band or Bubble Lady Linda, the street performer known for her elaborate bubble creations. There are markets on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Uptown Square (200 Broadway St.), Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lafitte Greenway Plaza, and on Sundays at City Park near the City Putt Parking lot from 8 a.m. till noon. April is the perfect month to check out the offerings. There’s a huge variety of produce currently in season, like lettuces and other greens, turnips, carrots, radishes, strawberries, and more. These markets also offer prepared items like sushi rolls, pupusas, fresh squeezed juice, locally made honey, and fresh baked pastries.
CRESCENTCITYFARMERSMARKET.ORG
Grow Dat Youth Farm takes up seven acres of land in New Orleans City Park and gives young people a chance to grow sustainable, edible plants while they learn leadership skills. The urban farm’s programs are part of a broader push to move New Orleans toward sustainability and justice, and that all starts with plants and instilling a sense of connection to soil, food systems, and history.
Grow Dat has had a big impact since it started in 2011: every year, the farm harvests about 50,000 pounds of fresh produce and sells much of it through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for member investors who receive a share of the produce. It also has a Shared Harvest program for kids who participate in its programs and families.
Throughout the year, Grow Dat offers workshops and classes that are open to the public, and the garden itself is open for anyone to walk through and check out. On Saturday, April 12, Grow Dat hosts Native Plant Volunteer Day from 9 a.m.-noon. The goal is to increase biodiversity. “We are really focused on re-wilding our space and continuing to bring in more native and indigenous plants to the area,” says Kate Thorpe, Grow Dat’s development coordinator. The day will begin with an opening circle and introductions, “and then we’ll get down to planting,” she says.
Grow Dat’s biggest fundraiser of the year is also coming up on Tuesday, May 13. Its Spring Farm Dinner’s theme is “Entwined Roots” and will emphasize the “diverse flavors of New Orleans food, history, and migration of New Orleans people,” says Thorpe. There will be professional chefs preparing a special menu using produce that’s been grown in the garden, as well as a happy hour and communal dining under the oak trees.
150 ZACHARY TAYLOR DRIVE
Louisiana’s Love The Boot Week is an annual week-long call to action that encourages residents in all 64 parishes to get outside, clean up litter, and generally be more mindful about the vulnerability of our environment. Organized by Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser’s office, the weeklong efforts kick off April 5-13. There are all kinds of ways to participate, whether as an individual or in groups. People of all ages can plant trees, clean up litter, and carry out beautification projects in their yards, neighborhoods, or other public spaces, and parents are encouraged to discuss the problem of litter with their young ones.
LOVETHEBOOT.ORG
Public libraries are continuing to prove they have something for everyone, and that includes gardening enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Select locations of the New Orleans Public Library are offering free seeds through the Seed Libraries program this month. Seed types vary but generally speaking, they all have the ability to thrive in the South Louisiana climate this time of year and can eventually sprout fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Library card holders can get up to three seed packets a day. The library also has a list of recommended reads, available for both checkout and through its app, with gardening tips, recipes, and even online courses to help anyone develop their green thumb. There’s also downloadable information on the individual seed packets that give tips on seed care, like how much water, sunlight, and shade they need. Participating branches include Alvar Library, Cita Dennis Hubbel Library, East New Orleans Regional Library, Mid-City Library, Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, Nora Navra Library, Rosa F. Keller Library, and Community Center.
NOLALIBRARY.ORG
BY MARIGNY LANAUX
BY BRITTANY CONERLY AND L. KASIMU HARRIS
“I want this to be an everyday book but also one used for special occasions to really s ho w off to guests coming to your house.”
- NINA COMPTON
From growing up in St. Lucia to broadening her restaurant knowledge in Jamaica, working at the Versace Mansion in Miami, and advancing to runner-up of Top Chef: New Orleans , Nina Compton’s life story winds through many different paths. Nina’s debut cookbook Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef’s Journey not only shares signature recipes, but also takes you through her childhood, professional endeavors, and experiences.
With such a successful career as a chef overseeing two local restaurants — Compère Lapin and BABs — the arrival of Nina’s first cookbook feels long overdue. “Writing a book was not on my agenda; I was focused on restaurant operations,” she shared. “When the pandemic hit, I had some unexpected time on my hands and thought about doing a book and telling my story. I also wanted to tell people about the beauty of the Caribbean and creole cuisine.”
Flipping through the pages transports you to four warm, tropical locations. First is St. Lucia, where Nina grew up and spent plenty of time cooking with her grandmother. Readers can get a glimpse into her upbringing by recreating family recipes like Daddy’s Milk Punch, Fiona’s Cassava Cookies, and Mum’s Soursop Mousse. The book shifts to Montego Bay, Jamaica, where the chef began her restaurant education in a hotel resort kitchen. This inspired her to include delicacies like Jerk Buttered Corn and Ackee Fritters.
Down in Miami, Nina was surrounded by Afro Latin culinary traditions, which influenced her expression of Caribbean foodways. A call from the producers of Top Chef led Nina to New Orleans, where she thought
she would only be for a season, but ended up adopting the city as her own. Her background is evident in dishes like Fried Okra with Pickled Green Bean Remoulade, Coconut-Braised Collard Greens, and Banana Pecan Beignets.
Among the striking images by New Orleans-based photographers Brittany Conerly and L. Kasimu Harris and illustrations, Nina thoughtfully shares anecdotes, memories, and helpful instructions as they relate to each recipe. “My journey is a complex one, very layered just like the cuisines of the different areas I have lived in.” Kwéyòl / Creole is also sure to spark conversation, whether left open in the kitchen or stylishly displayed on a coffee table!
Written with Osayi Endolyn, this story-driven cookbook is perfect for adventurous eaters and those who wish to explore new cultures. “Get outside your comfort zone and spice up your life.” As the weather gets warmer, Nina recommends enjoying any of the featured seafood creations en plein air — this includes Shrimp Ceviche and Chilled Crawfish and Corn Soup.
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (such as Garnet)
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup semolina flour, for dusting
Cooking the Gnocchi
- 1 cup kosher salt
- Sauce of your choice, such as Curried Goat (page 96) or the Rundown Sauce in the Shrimp and Scialatielli Pasta (page 225)
Heat the oven to 375°F. Fit a sheet pan with a roasting rack. Place the sweet potatoes on the roasting rack and bake them until fork tender, about 1 hour. Set aside to cool.
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins, then transfer the flesh to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. On medium speed, blend until smooth, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the salt to the mixture.
Add the yolks to the blended sweet potatoes and mix on low speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough comes together, about 1 minute. It should be smooth, cohesive, and not tacky to the touch. Water content in sweet potatoes can vary, so add the flour slowly and watch the consistency; you may not need all the flour. Don’t overwork the dough.
Scoop the dough into a piping bag and cut off ½ inch at the tip. (If you don’t have a piping bag, use a large zip top bag and trim about ½ inch off one corner to create a small opening to pipe the dough through.) Sprinkle a clean work surface with the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, using your fingers to spread it around.
Pipe the dough mixture onto the floured work surface, forming logs about 6 inches long. Pinching flour from your work surface, dust the top of the gnocchi logs, then use
your flattened palm to gently pull the gnocchi toward yourself, ensuring that the log is fully formed and covered in flour. This prevents the pasta from sticking together when you cut it.
Using a dough cutter or knife, divide the logs into 1-inch pieces. Dust a sheet pan with the semolina and a bit more all-purpose flour. Arrange the gnocchi on the floured sheet pan, then place it in the freezer for 1 hour. (If you want to hold off on cooking the gnocchi until later, you can freeze the cut pieces overnight on the sheet pan, then transfer them to zip top bags or an airtight container for up to 30 days.)
Cook the gnocchi: In a large stockpot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the salt. Yes, the whole cup! You want the water to taste a little less salty than the ocean. Meanwhile, in large saucepan, bring the sauce to a simmer.
Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pot, add the gnocchi to the boiling salted water. Maintaining high heat, cook the pasta until the gnocchi floats for about 1 minute, about 4 minutes total. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add to the sauce. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi. Simmer the pasta and sauce together for about 1 minute to bring it all together. Serve immediately. SERVES 6 TO 8
BY MICHAELA BECHLER | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL
Aw ildly fun time is always the case when visiting Audubon Zoo. It’s especially true for Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do and Zoo-To-Do For Kids Presented by Manning Family Children’s taking place this spring. This year’s theme is Audubon Dazzles the Savanna! which celebrates the return of the zebras to Audubon Zoo. The annual events
47th Annual Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do FRIDAY, MAY 2
Admission Times:
SPONSOR & PATRON: 7 - 11 PM
GALA: 8 - 11 PM
Attire & Age Requirements:
MEN: Black Tie or White Linen Suit
LADIES: Cocktail Attire Ages: 21+
36th Annual Zoo-ToDo for Kids Presented by Manning Family Children’s FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Admission Times:
SPONSOR & PATRON: 5 - 9 PM
GENERAL: 6 - 9 PM
also support the organization’s ongoing conservation initiatives that benefit animals both locally across the Gulf Coast and around the world.
Both Zoo-To-Do events promise local fare and cocktails, great entertainment, and an incredible auction while enjoying Audubon Zoo after regular hours. First is Zoo-To-Do For Kids Presented by Manning Family Children’s on Friday, April 25. Lauren Flower, the 2025 Chairwoman, says this is her favorite event for families in New Orleans and she never misses it — even for Jazz Fest! The evening kicks off with the sponsor and patron party before general admission begins at 6 p.m. Crafts and activities abound, and Lauren says it feels just like a New Orleans festival but specifically designed for families to enjoy together.
“New Orleans does her best job showing off in late April and early May,” Lauren shares. “The weather is typically beautiful, the flowers are in bloom, and there’s a festival every weekend. Add delicious food from our local restaurants, a margarita or two, and the gorgeous backdrop of the Audubon Zoo, and you have
yourself quite the oasis. Your children will have a blast, and bedtime will be a breeze. There’s nothing better.”
On Friday, May 2, Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do will take place beginning with the sponsor and patron party starting at 7 p.m. followed by the gala at 8 p.m. Susu Stall, the 2025 Chairwoman, says it is always a standout spring event. “It brings every age group out and feels like a kickoff to summer,” she shares. As the owner of Sosusu, a local women’s boutique, Susu encourages attendees to wear something lightweight and colorful and for women to opt for a block heel.
Both Lauren and Susu have been involved with Audubon Zoo for many years. Susu has served multiple terms on the Audubon Board and chaired Zoo-To-Do 25 years ago. “You can only serve as chairman one time, but the rules were bent a little this year,” she shares. As the mother of four children, Susu says the zoo and aquarium were lifelines. “My favorite memory was pulling my son out of school to see the arrival of the penguins to the aquarium. It was a whole thing with music and a red carpet!”
Lauren has been a visitor of the zoo since she was a child and even remembers riding a riverboat from the aquarium to The Fly to enter the zoo. She began volunteering for Zoo-To-Do events about 10 years ago. “My husband’s business, Woodward Design+Build, supplied the wooden animal shaped door hangers, and my friends and I would paint on the details and deliver them to local homes. I’ve also helped with the sponsorship, patron, and restaurant committees over the years.”
If someone is unable to attend the events in person, there are other ways to show your support. “We have an amazing Lexus donated by Lexus of New Orleans that anyone can take a chance at winning. Tickets are $100 and only 1,250 will be sold,” Melissa Lee, Vice President of Communication at Audubon Institute, shares. “We will also have a silent auction with some incredible items that people can start bidding on two weeks before the event.”
The Zoo-To-Do events are made possible by the support of its sponsors including Hancock Whitney, Manning Family Children’s, Lexus of New Orleans, Chevron, and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
For more information, admission and raffle tickets, and to browse the silent auction, visit audubonnatureinstitute.org/zooto-do and audubonnatureinstitute.org/ kids-zoo-to-do.
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BY MISTY MILIOTO
BY JACQUELINE MARQUE
Native New Orleanian Beetle Hillery was first drawn to the art of patternmaking while studying graphic design at the Rhode Island School of Design. After a stint in New York, she moved back to the Crescent City and opened Palm Orleans, a fabrics and wallcoverings design company, in 2016. “I discovered that textile design was the ideal outlet to express and share my handpainted patterns and, later, that they could also be applied to wallcoverings,” she says.
Beetle’s inspiration for the company name, as well as her design aesthetic, comes from her love of Palm Beach and New Orleans. “[These] two towns have my whole heart. There is a palpable energy in both cities. Their distinct vibes are unparalleled. I am enamored by all their splendor and aim to capture it with a lighthearted, fun twist.”
In 2018, her cousin Hillery Gazzaniga began helping Beetle with the business. At that time, they were both hand-cutting samples with pinking shears in Beetle’s attic apartment. Hillery suggested using rotary cutters — a more efficient and less painful method that she had seen on Project Runway — and, just
like that, the business was in full swing. Today, the duo continues to work side-by-side in Palm Orleans’ established headquarters in Bayou St. John.
“We think it’s really special that it’s just the two of us, and [we are] grateful that most days don’t feel like work,” Beetle says. “We also love sourcing talented artisans and crafts-
”Our patterns bring joie de vivre to the space and [act as] a statement for house-proud homeowners.”
men, and quality vendors and suppliers, to round out the business when necessary.”
Since the early days, Palm Orleans has grown with expanded offerings like its signature Island Cloth (stylized Madagascar raffia cloths printed on a woven matte paper) and new patterns and colorways. The company also now offers items on Chairish, a curated online marketplace. “We believe in the slow design mindset, where quality reigns over quantity, so we want to do things in the right way. We also want to grow our community support and charitable endeavors as much as possible.”
Designers are encouraged to visit Palm Orleans to discover
how the unique fabrics (such as linen cotton fabrics and metallic grasscloths) and claycoated wallpaper — which are all screen-printed by hand — can add quintessential New Orleans flair to their projects.
Palm Orleans consistently works with designers near and far. Beetle cites a particularly exciting project, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California. “The thoughtful and incomparable Charlee Williamson chose Palm Orleans fabrics and wallcoverings to bring her LA-to-L.A. design to life,” Beetle says. “I cannot wait to bring my daughter to Disneyland and see the space in person.”
At this year’s Palm Beach Days (an event that brings together the best in design, architecture, and creative innovation), Beetle loved seeing the current design trend of layered rooms. “We are obsessed with joyful, maximalist rooms where there is a play of various patterns, colors, textiles, furniture, art, and decorative objects,” she says. “These spaces have so much visual interest, stories, and soul. ‘It’s all in the mix,’ as they say.”
Beetle also loves the current trend of wallpapering ceilings —a design detail that is especially intriguing for New Orleans homes. “Luckily in NOLA, we have always had our own personality and appreciation for the colorful, creative, eccentric, and antique,” she says. “Our homes are menageries used to tell the stories of our lives, a nest to hold all of our treasures, and a place of revelry and rest.”
Looking toward the next five to 10 years Beetle hopes that quality and artistry will be the standard, and that there will be less reliance on quick-ship, fast-trending options from bigbox stores. Instead, she says that thoughtful, curated, and slow design will be preferred.
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BY MI CH AE LA BE CH LE R
Whilemanyartis ts draw inspiration from thenat ural world, Megan Lightell ’s entire proces srevol ve s around na ture.T he Nashvillebasedartis tsketche s“en plein air” —inafield, from herkayak ,and mountainside in Colorado —bef ore returningtoher st udio to paintlarger composit ions that combinebotht he physical elementand memory of place. Herworklives in anumberof corporateand privatecollect ions, andshe is representedinNew OrleansbyC laireElizabeth Galler y (131 DecaturStreet).
Megancurrent ly hasasoloe xhibit ion at Claire ElizabethG allery. Illuminate -Paintings by Megan Lightell feat ures pieces that illumina te landscapes andwater wa ys throughthe useof lightand alimited tonalist palette. “Working slowly anddeliberatelyin oilpigment s, Lightell seek stoconvey notjus taphysicallocation, but thee ssence of place—allowingthe viewertolookclosely,obser ve and particip ateinamomentintime,”s ays thegallery.
Theartis t’sproce ss beginson location whereshe mightspend anywhere from minute stohours creating smalloil sketches on panel. Shebringsarange of colors with her, before usingalimited palette in thes tudiotohelpf ur ther dist ill an imagetoits es sence. “I began work inginthisway more than 20 yearsago,and theproce ss has evol vedand been re fined over the years,”Megan shares.“ When Ifirs t became intere sted in landscape, I wassketching outdoors in watercolor andt henoil andf ound theproce ss to be frus tratingbut fascinating.”
It took trialand errorabout choosing locationsand conditions and determiningthe rightequipment and materialstoget thebestresults.She also shif tedfromusing snapshot sfor compositionalnotesand hasbeen more drawntothe processofmaking field studies. “I findthatitrequires paying at tentiontodifferentelement s than thestudiowork, anditfeels like more of adiscovery,which helpsbring freshenergytothe larger pieces.”
Whileonsite, sheisn’t document ing each bladeofgrass or leaf on a tree or thecrittersshe sees,but the sounds,f eelings, andmemorie st hey evoke. “Itisalwaysa delightwhenI encounterananimal whileworking: ablueheron st alking afish,abea ver plopping into theriver ne xt to my ka yak, achipmunklea ving it sprint s over af re shly paintedpiece in the Rock yMount ains (one time askunk even ranout from undermycar as I wasp acking up my paints at theend of theday). Thoselit tlemoments of animal magics ta ywit hmeasa senseofwondertha tI carr yb ackto thes tudioeveniftheir images don’t endupinthe paintings. Part of the reason Iamdrawn to this work is to carveout time forcontemplation and st illnes s, andtoconsiderthe wa ys we areinterconnec tedwit hthe se places, rememberingt ha tweare part of this largers ys tem.”
Megan’ssplit of outdoors tudy vs indoor work dependsonseveral factors(family life,e xhibit ion schedule), andwhile each season is different ,she sa ys that theproce ss is be st when thereisanat ural rhyt hm an db al an ce to bo th as pe ct so f he rwor k. Sh eals od oe sn’t le tt he we at he rd et er mine wh en sh e’ ll wo rk ou td oo rs .“ Ih avep aint ed in sin gl e- di gi ts nowf alls an do nm ugg y 10 0- de gree da ys ,a nd Ia dh eret o th ei de at ha tt he re is no su ch th in g as ba dwea th er,o nl yina de qu at e
ge ar.O ne un ex pe ct ed th in gIh ave le ar ne dove rt he ye ar si st ha tt he le ss pl ea sa nt co nd it io ns of te nmake forthe be st paintings.”
Meganwas born andraisedinthe Appalachianf oothills of Ohio and received aBFA from theS choolof Visual Ar ts (SVA)inNew York .She returned to therural imager yofher youthbef oreset tlinginTennees see wheremuchofher work re flect s. When possible,she brings herp aint s with herwhile travelingand trie s to sketch in newplace s. Sheenjoys painting in Ohio whilev isit ingf amil y andhad theoppor tunity to paintin northern California as an ar tist in re sidencet hrough theNationalParks re sidenc yprogram.“Ourf amil yhas hadoccasiontospend more time in thewes tern U. S. in recent years, and though I’ve enjoyedp aint ingt here when Ihavehad thechance, the rugged androcky landscapes till feels unfamiliar to me comp ared with the green, gent le rollinghills that feel more like home.”
AtriptoIreland hasinspiredanother foralongerperiodwit hap aint ing focus. Whileher painting bucket list is long,the topdes tinationsare any National Park ,the Boundary Waters again, revisiting thewides tretches of Missouri andKansas, andany ecos ys temtha tisunf amiliartoher. “Mos tofall,Ilookf or ward to longer st retche softimespent in oneplace,
slowingdownand ex periencing a placecaref ully.”
WhileMegan tendstosavet he hour saroundsunrise andsunsetas well as overcast da ys forp aint ing, sheenjoyswarmsunny da ys hiking, biking,and work inginthe garden Theartis tsaysshe is fort unateto come from af amil ythatt hrives on learningnew things to thepoint of obse ssion. “O verthe yearsIhave ex plored potter y, permaculture/ smallscale urbanf arming,k nitting, beekeeping,s trengtht raining, and herb al medicine.Iamalwaysreading. This past year I’ve been learning a little aboutwoodwork ingf rommy husb and, rock houndingand lapidary/ sil versmithingwit hmydaughter, and we arecurrent ly training forabike tour with friendslater this spring.”
To learnmoreabout Megan andviewher work in person, please contac tClaireThriffileyat claireelizabethgallery@gmail.com or 504-309-4063
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BY MARIGNY LANAUX
Age: 2 years old | Breed: Cane Corso Store: Dop Antiques
Since 2000, Dop Antiques has offered an extensive inventory of European furniture, art, and architectural pieces in its spacious showroom that spans 20,000 square feet. In February 2024, local history enthusiasts Cody and Emeral excitedly purchased the business. “When the previous owner listed the business for sale, we saw this as a perfect opportunity to bring our love of historical items to everyone and to tell their story,” the duo shared.
Among the treasures is Anubis, Cody and Emeral’s large and loyal Cane Corso. He is fittingly named after the Egyptian god Anubis as he is the protector and guardian of their daughter Faroh. Regular customers refer to him as “little bear” or “horse,” which might lead you to believe he’s rambunctious, but that is not the case. He is a fantastic employee and is always well-behaved as he has been fully trained by the La Fundación K-9 Academy in Tickfaw, Louisiana. “He is the best door greeter and loves to welcome our customers. As long as you come in the main front door, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and kisses.”
As he doesn’t adhere to a strict work schedule, Anubis may interrupt your shopping by plopping down on your feet to get ear rubs and attention. During breaks, he takes full advantage of the imported goods by sprawling out on the plush rugs and drinking water out of a fine ceramic bowl — if you inquire, he will let you buy it from him.
Having Anubis at the shop brings customers joy, as does the wide selection of goods from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond. The owners hand-select items during their sourcing trips, curating a one-of-a-kind collection. “This direct import approach helps us secure unique finds and keeps prices competitive by avoiding multiple middlemen.” The pieces span a range of periods and styles, including French Provincial, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern! Whether your style is traditional and timeless or bold and eclectic, you can discover beautiful items rich with history, charm, and character.
Favorite things: Leftover food, meeting new people, and playing outside
