premiere issue highlighted the 1995 New Orleans Museum of Art's “Odyssey Ball”

New Orleans Museum of Art’s “Odyssey Ball”

St. Charles Avenue’s premiere issue highlighted the 1995 ball.

By Seale Paterson

“1995 Odyssey Ball” Chairmen Sandra and Richard W. Freeman Jr. along with artist John T. Scott pictured in front of Scott’s “Spirit Gates” at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Scott designed the ball’s invitation to commemorate the opening of the new “Louis Armstrong: A Cultural Legacy” exhibition. The theme of the “Odyssey Ball” that year was: “Jammin’ and Jazzin’ with Ambassador Satchmo.” The ball was started to raise funds for exhibitions and programming, and now contributes about eight percent of the museum’s operating budget. When the first “Odyssey Ball” was held in 1966, the New Orleans Museum of Art was still known as Delgado Museum. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Stafford lent their extensive art collection – described as a “mini-museum” covering the history of Western Art – to help raise funds to recover from Hurricane Betsy the previous fall.

A gala was planned for the night before the opening of the exhibition “Odyssey of an Art Collector.” Named after the collection, the “Odyssey Ball” was such a fun and financial success that it became an annual event, and a highlight of the social scene.

Themes and décor were paired with exhibits; attendees discovered exotic scenes like Moulin Rouge, Marrakesh, a German cabaret, a Russian tearoom or a Japanese garden. For Louisiana-based exhibits, the setting was more familiar: a Carnival masquerade, a K&B diner or, in the case of the 1967 “Porcelain Birds” exhibit, birdcages with live birds from Audubon’s aviary.

Musical performances were always a highlight of the “Odyssey Ball.” Orchestras, including Count Basie and Glenn Miller, were the attractions in earlier decades. Dance bands became popular in the mid1980s, and from the 1990s on local stars like Deacon John, Allen Toussaint and Kermit Ruffins have been featured. The last decade has included local DJ standouts like Soul Sister and ActionActionReaction.

While the ball is usually held in November at the museum, there have been a few exceptions. The dates for two balls were changed to accommodate special exhibits: “Treasures of Tutankhamun” in 1977 and “Golden Treasures of Peru” in 1979. A museum expansion during 1991-1992 sent the ball to the Sheraton Hotel and the Lakefront Airport. (The airport party was held in a hanger among vintage aircraft with a “Black Tie / White Scarf” aviation-themed dress code and an “in-flight” menu featuring dishes from around the world.) The only year that hasn’t had a ball was 2005, due to Hurricane Katrina.

The “2021 Odyssey Ball” will be held November 21 and will feature the plaster relief mural “Symbols of Communication” by Enrique Alférez, which was created for The Times-Picayune lobby in 1967. ✦

Early & Primary ________________

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

StAndrewsEpiscopalSchool.org | 504-861-3743 8012 Oak St., New Orleans Founded in 1957, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is a co-educational, independent school serving children 12 months through Eighth Grade. It is the oldest Episcopal School in New Orleans, with 64 years of experience inspiring and educating the mind, body and spirit of each individual child with a sense of excellence. St. Andrew’s offers over 10 years of nurturing yet challenging education that focuses on Cherishing Childhood, Developing Character and Cultivating Leaders. We strive to teach each child in a manner that builds on his or her individual strengths, interests and abilities, while at the same time fostering teamwork within the greater school community. Small classes give their teachers the flexibility to customize lessons, connect with students and inspire life-long curiosity. St. Andrew’s provides a challenging learning environment where students grow spiritually, socially and intellectually. A strong academic program, enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, includes Spanish, music, chapel, fine arts, athletics and information literacy skills. Student publications, dramatics, interscholastic sports and community service round out St. Andrew’s program. See students and teachers in acation at the upcoming Open House on October 21 for PK 3-Eighth Grade or call for a personal tour. Cottage tours are available by appointment only. For more information, visit SAENOLA.org/admissions.

Trinity Episcopal School

TrinityNola.com | 504-525-8661 1315 Jackson Ave, New Orleans Trinity Episcopal School is a coeducational, independent day school serving students age 15 months through Eighth Grade. The school’s talented and experienced faculty are committed to educating students in a nurturing environment dedicated to their ideals of Gentle, Generous, Truthful, Kind and Brave. Trinity’s mission is to build confident, resilient upstanders on a foundation of academic excellence, moral responsibility and faith who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world. Email admissions@trinitynola.com for more information and to schedule your virtual or in person tour!

Continuing (K-12) _______________

Ursuline Academy

go.uanola.org | 504-866-5292 2635 State St., New Orleans Serving children six weeks through 12th grade, Ursuline Academy has the distinction of being the first all-girls Catholic school in the nation. As girls progress through Ursuline Academy, a highly interactive approach exposes them to increasingly complex concepts in STEM and the arts that go beyond learning the material. Ursuline girls learn to think creatively, articulate their ideas confidently and compassionately and solve problems collaboratively. High School Open House (grades 8-12) is Thursday, October 28, 4-6 p.m.

High School _____________________

Benjamin Franklin High School

BFHSLA.org | 504-286-2610 2001 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans With high-achieving students from every ZIP code in the city, Benjamin Franklin High School celebrates diversity and respects the individuality of each student. They've had the most National Merit Semifinalists in the state for two years running, and their students go on to earn full scholarships at some of the most prestigious colleges in the world. They offer more than 65 electives, including a wide variety of AP and arts classes. They also have 20 sports teams and clubs for everything from anime to Zumba. Visit BFHSLA.org or call 504-286-2610 to learn more about their October 7 Admissions Open House and to map your future at Franklin!

Higher Education ________________

University of Holy Cross

UHCNO.edu | 504-394-7714 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans A fully accredited Catholic university in New Orleans, the University of Holy Cross (formerly Our Lady of Holy Cross College) offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 1,200 students. With 154 faculty members and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, students enjoy a personalized academic experience on an active campus where they are encouraged to explore spiritual values and pursue service opportunities. Some of the university’s most distinctive programs are in Business, Education, Counseling, Healthcare and Arts & Sciences.