Giving Back
Throughout her 40-year career, Andrea Mistretta has used her art to support causes close to her heart and give back to the New Orleans community she loves.
Philanthropy has been woven into Andrea's art from the very beginning. Her first Mardi Gras painting — the one that launched her 40-year career — was created for a friend facing the AIDS crisis in the early 1980s.
The metaphor of Mardi Gras masks hiding pain while celebrating joy has informed her work ever since, and she has continued to use her platform to support those in need.
Causes We Support
AIDS Awareness
Andrea's first Mardi Gras painting was inspired by a dear friend during the AIDS crisis, who 'wore a mask of joy to cover anxious and sad emotions.' This connection to the cause has remained throughout her career.
Community Support
As an honorary citizen of New Orleans, Andrea has contributed to various community initiatives, especially those supporting local artists and cultural preservation.
Arts & Culture
Through her Jazz Heritage series and ongoing support of New Orleans' artistic community, Andrea champions the preservation of the city's unique cultural identity.
Organizations Supported
Over the years, Andrea has donated artwork and supported fundraising efforts for these 18 charitable organizations across the country.
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
New Orleans, LA
Musicians' Village
New Orleans, LA
American Cancer Society
National
Mediators Beyond Borders
International
Alabama Blues Project
Alabama
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Arkansas
St. Michael's Special School
New Orleans, LA
Mount Carmel Academy
New Orleans, LA
Human Resources Development Institute
Chicago, IL
Winchester Medical Center
Virginia
Visiting Health/Hospice
New Jersey
Red Cross
New Jersey
Reading is Fundamental
Washington, DC
Diabetes Foundation
Mississippi
Colleen Giblin Foundation
New Jersey
Women's Place
Ontario, Canada
Holmes Medical Center
Florida
The Autism Center
Dallas, TX
Official Recognition
Honorary Citizenship
Mayor Sidney Barthelemy conferred Honorary Citizenship upon Andrea Mistretta for promoting a positive image of New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Mayoral Proclamation
Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the City Council issued a proclamation honoring Andrea for her charitable works for New Orleans and her support of small businesses.
Exhibition Venues
Andrea's artwork has been featured at prestigious venues across the country.
Charitable Editions
Throughout the years, Andrea has created special edition posters with proceeds benefiting various charitable organizations. These limited releases combine collectible art with meaningful giving.
Notable charitable editions have supported causes including:
- • Post-Katrina recovery and rebuilding efforts
- • Local New Orleans arts organizations
- • Community health initiatives
- • Cultural preservation programs
Contact us for information about current charitable initiatives or partnership opportunities.
A Symbol of Hope
Perhaps no poster better represents Andrea's commitment to community than 2006's "Phoenix Rising." Created for the first Mardi Gras after Hurricane Katrina, this powerful image became a symbol of New Orleans' resilience and determination to rebuild.
The poster captured the spirit of a city that refused to be defeated, and proceeds from its sale helped support recovery efforts across the region.