Celebrating champions of arts at AcA’s Pelican Ball | Entertainment/Life

The ever-popular Pelican Ball drew hundreds to the celebration on Dec. 6, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in downtown Lafayette. The party had everything, from music and dancing to flowing champagne. It also had an important purpose — to honor those who have helped shape the arts in Acadiana.

This year, the AcA recognized two Lafayette arts patrons, John Chappuis and Renee Roberts.

Chappuis is a local attorney who has been an influential member of the AcA. Officials say the organization is growing because of individuals like Chappuis, who have utilized their resources for the greater good. Chappuis has not only donated funds to the AcA, he has also used his legal skills to assist when needed. He created AcA’s bylaws, which have helped reinforce programs like Arts in Education and moved the AcA into the future. Chappuis was also instrumental in lobbying for a new building to house the AcA. He led a fundraising drive that paved the way for a new state-of-the-art facility for the organization.

Roberts, a former director of Arts in Education at the Arts Council, helped to expand the program that would bring Acadiana’s artists into classrooms and make the arts accessible to people of all ages and economic backgrounds.

Roberts’ early efforts paved the way for the AcA’s flourishing Arts in Education program to exist in 135 schools across Acadiana, employing more than 50 teaching artists. In fact, officials say the idea for the painted pelicans you see around Lafayette came from a trip Roberts took to Chicago. The fundraiser now helps fund AcA’s Arts in Education programming.

From the reception to honor patrons, to the ballroom decked out in holiday décor filled with joy, the Pelican Ball delighted guests with whimsy and merriment. We love this event because the cause is so important to our culture. Congratulations to John Chappuis and Renee Roberts. Thank you for all you have done to make the AcA so special in our community.