By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

DESTREHAN – An evening of “Southern fare with Southern flair” was the goal of the River Region Arts & Humanities Council with their silent art auction and dinner, held Sunday evening at Destrehan Plantation.

The “Art Beaucoups! 2004 Jazz & Juleps” featured original artwork by 25 mostly local artists, including oil paintings, ceramics and jewelry.

Attendees were able to bid on the donated items, the proceeds going toward the council’s grants program, supporting the arts in the River Parishes through everything from field trips to New Orleans Museum of Art to stage performances.

The event was held in Destrehan Plantation’s Mule Barn and included a buffet dinner hosted by Schexnayder Foods and a live quartet, Jeanne Louise Chauffe and The Trio, performing big-band standards.

Committee chair Sandra Chaisson commented, “It’s amazing how many generous people we have here.” The event, the organization’s fourth-ever fund raiser, generated an estimated $20,000.

“So many children and adults will benefit from this,” Chaisson continued. “We reach literally thousands of children.”

Those artists whose work were featured in the auction included Gene Alario of Metairie, Missy Armstrong of Luling, Louise Broach of Luling, Frances Caramagno of New Orleans, Martine Chaisson of Destrehan, Jeanne Chauffe of Mobile, Ala. (formerly of Hahnville), Myrt Digirolamo of Norco, Annabel Hogan of Des Allemands, John Horn of Reserve, Larisa Ivakina of New Orleans, Mary Lou Liberty of Luling, Barbara Louque of St. James Parish, Leona Majoria of Luling, Kathy Marlowe of Destrehan, Patricia Pilie of Destrehan, Jessica Smith of St. Rose and Merrill Zeringue of Destrehan.