The Helis Foundation Gallery at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation proudly announces the re-installation of The Helis Foundation Gallery at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, curated by Leslie-Claire Spillman. The grand opening took place on January 17, showcasing new acquisitions, including a striking piece by renowned artist Carl Joe Williams, featuring the legendary Kidd Jordan.

With the generous support of The Helis Foundation, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has acquired over 60 outstanding works of art, including recent additions by Louisiana artists, all of which celebrate our state’s cultural legacy. This collection highlights the significance of partnerships in encouraging appreciation and artistic growth within our community.

The reimagining of The Helis Foundation Gallery Collection aims to enhance access for students of the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, providing them with a reflective space that connects them to New Orleans culture. This collection serves not only as a visual reminder of their potential contributions to our community but also reinforces their identities and cultivates a sense of belonging. Students and visitors are encouraged to explore the gallery and envision how they connect within the artistic landscape—whether as musicians, documentarians, artists, craftsmen, educators, or participants in the cherished second line culture and Black-masking traditions.

“The goal of The Helis Foundation Gallery re-installation is to continue our efforts to further engage youth with powerful representations of heritage and culture,” stated Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. “By immersing students in visual expressions that celebrate our heritage, we aim to deepen their connection to the culture—encouraging them not only to engage with it but also to take ownership in shaping its future.”

Incorporating art into their music education will enhance the students’ experiences, enabling them to develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural engineers featured in the exhibition. The collection not only frames the music they study at the school but also emphasizes visual arts as an alternative avenue for creative expression.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation extends its gratitude to The Helis Foundation for their magnanimous contribution, which has been instrumental in bringing this exhibition to life.

For more information about The Helis Foundation Gallery and upcoming events, please visit www.jazzandheritage.org

About the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is the nonprofit that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell. The Foundation uses the proceeds from Jazz Fest and other raised funds for year-round programs in education, economic development, and cultural enrichment. Since 1990, these programs have included the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, a free after school program housed in the George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. The school serves nearly 300 students a week, from beginners aged 8 years old to advanced students aged 18 with in-depth music training, ensemble playing and music theory throughout the school year, and summer school taught by some of the best musicians in New Orleans.

About The Helis Foundation

The Helis Foundation is a Louisiana private foundation established and funded by the William Helis Family. The Helis Foundation’s resources and objectives are divided into two areas: the general fund, and the Diana Helis Henry and Adrienne Helis Malvin Art Funds. The general fund focuses on community needs primarily within the Metropolitan New Orleans area by granting funds to numerous local nonprofit organizations. The Art Funds were established by bequests from Diana Helis Henry and Adrienne Helis Malvin. The Art Funds make grants to sustain operations, to provide free admission to, to acquire significant art works on behalf of major institutions, and site artwork in public spaces within the Metropolitan New Orleans area.