The Helis Foundation John Scott Center

09/03/2026

This past Saturday, the Helis Foundation John Scott Center, in partnership with the CAC and Stories of Us, welcomed artist Monique Lorden for an inspiring artist talk and lecture.

Guests were invited into an intimate look at Lorden’s work and creative journey, while her questions sparked deeper reflection on our own creativity, purpose, and the stories we have to share.

A powerful reminder that creativity is not only something we create, but something we pass on.

08/26/2026

Don't forget to reserve your seat for a conversation with Monique Lorden, creator of one of the talking drums in "The Stories of Us" exhibit, this Saturday at 2 p.m.

A respected artist and compassionate culture bearer, Lorden will offer an in-depth conversation exploring what it means to be a creator in New Orleans and beyond, reflecting on the role of artists in preserving culture, shaping community, and responding to the world around us.

Let us know you're coming at

An in-depth conversation exploring what it means to be a creator in New Orleans and beyond

08/19/2026

Join us at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans for a conversation with Monique Lorden, creator of one of the talking drums in "The Stories of Us" exhibit. A respected artist and compassionate culture bearer, Lorden will offer an in-depth conversation exploring what it means to be a creator in New Orleans and beyond, reflecting on the role of artists in preserving culture, shaping community, and responding to the world around us.

Reserve your seat at tinyurl.com/JSCstories

An in-depth conversation exploring what it means to be a creator in New Orleans and beyond

08/11/2026

Missed the opening on White Linen Night? You've still got plenty of time to see The Stories of Us at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans. The talking drums, created by New Orleans artists Ayo Scott, Annie Moran, Ashley Teamer, Teneille Prosper, and Monique Lorden, will be on display through September 26.

08/04/2026

Today we honor the birth of Louis Armstrong, whose unmistakable sound carried the spirit of New Orleans to every corner of the world.

For John T. Scott, Armstrong was more than a musical icon. He was a recurring presence throughout Scott’s body of work, reflecting the artist’s enduring commitment to honoring the city’s cultural architects and the Black visionaries who transformed everyday life into extraordinary art. Again and again, Scott returned to Armstrong as both muse and symbol, celebrating the joy, resilience, and creative brilliance that define New Orleans.

Today, we celebrate not only the man, but the enduring conversation between two artists whose gifts continue to carry the soul of a city forward.

08/02/2026

Yesterday, the Helis Foundation John Scott Center, in partnership with the Contemporary Arts Center and The Stories of Us, proudly opened The Stories of Us exhibition in the historic warehouse where our namesake, John T. Scott, created some of his largest prints using a steamroller—an extraordinary legacy to stand within.

Presented in conjunction with White Linen Night, the evening proved to be one for the books. With an estimated crowd of well over 800 attendees, the space was alive with art, fellowship, storytelling, and community. It was a beautiful reminder that when people gather around creativity, history, and one another, something truly special happens!

08/01/2026

Don't forget to add a stop at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans to your White Linen Night itinerary! In partnership with CAC, The Helis Foundation John Scott Center will be hosting the opening of The Stories of Us, featuring artist-inspired talking drums by New Orleans artists Ayo Scott, Annie Moran, Ashley Teamer, Teneille Prosper, and Monique Lorden. We hope to see you there!

07/23/2026

Join us on White Linen Night for the opening of The Stories of Us at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans.

The Stories of Us is a national public art initiative that brings communities together through artist-designed drums inspired by the historic role of talking drums as instruments of communication, connection, and cultural preservation. New Orleans artists Ayo Scott, Annie Moran, Ashley Teamer, Teneille Prosper, and Monique Lorden have created original talking drums, each transforming the iconic form into a compelling visual narrative rooted in the city's rich cultural landscape.

Make it a night with us by sticking around, or coming back, for White Linen: After Dark. The official Fidelity Bank White Linen Night after party starts at 9 p.m. Early bird ticket sales end tomorrow. Get yours at tinyurl.com/whitelinenafter

07/22/2026

On the latest episode of his podcast, The Freshwater Yankee, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Board Member Wendell Riley talks with fellow board member and The Helis Foundation John Scott Center Executive Committee Chair Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir about the African Diaspora, its reach and influence in the modern world, and comparisons of the experiences of those who were sent to Louisiana vs. the Caribbean.

Wendell sits down with Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir, Department Chair, African American and Diaspora Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, to discuss the African Diaspora, its reach and influence in the modern world, and comparisons of the exp...

07/17/2026

The recent reopening of O'Keefe Avenue outside our Turners' Hall headquarters marks a major milestone in our efforts to restore this historic building. The latest story in our Turners' Hall series examines the process of shoring—temporarily supporting a structure—and how it helped Turners' Hall once again stand on its own.

As stewards of Louisiana history, we feel it’s important to document the journey taking place within our own walls. On December 14, 2024, our beloved headquarters, Turners’ Hall, suffered a partial collapse. The building, which has stood witness for more than 150 years as the City of New Orleans...