Feature
October
21
SoLA Center for the Arts
by Anna Roberts
South Louisiana Center for the Arts, also known as SoLA Center for the Arts, is a non-profit arts agency located in Houma. SoLA Center for the Arts was started in June 2001, by a group of local citizens. SoLA will proudly celebrate their 10th anniversary in the summer of 2011.
Over the past 9 years, SoLA has continued their support of the arts by offering private lessons, art classes and theatre classes. SoLA’s Theatre Department performs two plays a year. They continuously work to educate the public on the importance of arts education and arts exposure to children. In addition to classes, SoLA works to promote creativity within the community. On October 29 at 7 p.m., SoLA will host their 4th annual Halloween Parade. The parade will start at Town Hall on Barrow Street, continuing north on Barrow Street toward Main Street, turning left on Main Street and ending at the Court House Square. SoLA welcomes any group or organization to participate in the parade. They also suggest that groups pick a theme to represent, such as TV shows, books or movies. Everyone in Houma and the surrounding areas are welcome to attend the parade. They welcome children and families to dress in costume for the parade. SoLA’s Executive Director Anna Roberts says, “Costuming can be a true art form. I would love to see some homemade costumes!” After the parade, SoLA will have its first Monster Bash Ball.
Statistics show that children
who participate in the arts are:
• 4 times more likely to be
recognized for academic achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected
to class office within their schools
• 4 times more likely to participate
in a math and science fair
• 3 times more likely to win an award
for school attendance
The Monster Bash Ball, for ages 18 and up, will begin at 8 p.m. at the City Club of Houma, located at 7861 Main Street, Houma. The ball will have a silent auction, free food and a cash bar from 8 p.m. -11p.m. There will be two live bands, “Mice on Guard” and “Don Pueble and the Shawls.” The ball welcomes adults to wear their Halloween costumes and participate in a costume contest. Tickets to the ball can be purchased for $10 a ticket in advance or $15 dollars a ticket at the door.
This annual event helps to raise money for SoLA. The money raised goes toward scholarships and operating funds. Without the support of Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary Parishes, the center would not be able to offer continued, quality instruction in arts such as, music, theatre and visual art.
For more information about the Monster Bash Ball or to donate to SoLA call 985-876-2222, click www.solacenter.org or visit their office at 7839 Park Ave, Houma.
