“Windows on Canal" Art & Architecture Tour   

Written By Alicia Vial

Experience the rich tapestry of Canal Street’s architectural heritage

NEW ORLEANS –  As part of the “Windows on Canal” public art experience, Celebrate Canal! is hosting a free two-hour immersive Art and Architecture Tour Wednesday, June 4, where participants will have a unique opportunity to explore the historical and visual heritage of the nation’s largest thoroughfare.

Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. at the newly renovated Hotel One11 (111 Iberville St.). Guests will then board an open-top double-decker bus, donated by Valentino Hospitality, for a guided tour led by two of New Orleans’ foremost voices in architecture and urban development – John C. Williams and Ryan Bordenave.

Williams, the founder of Williams Architects, is a nationally recognized preservationist with a passion for blending historic charm with modern functionality. His firm has spearheaded the restoration of iconic buildings including The Ritz-Carlton and Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter - Astor and Brennan’s Restaurant, to name a few.

Bordenave is a real estate professional and urban strategist that brings a deep knowledge of Canal Street’s evolution. Having worked for the Downtown Development District for 14-years, he focused his energy on several Canal Street initiatives including retail recruitment, historic facade restoration, building signage and aesthetic enhancements, sidewalk dining and art installations.

"Windows on Canal" transforms iconic Canal Street buildings into an outdoor art gallery featuring beloved runaway dog, Scrim, and follows his whimsical adventures that highlight historic locations and their role in shaping the city's future. Each installation includes a QR code unlocking an interactive online experience with building histories, artist insights and Scrim's narrated journey voiced by Ivan Neville. “Windows on Canal” is available for public view through Essence Fest weekend.

“Canal Street isn't just a physical artery of our city; it's the very heart of New Orleans culture,” said Sandra Herman, President and CEO of Celebrate Canal!. “It’s where our history is etched in grand architecture, where celebrations have spilled into the streets for generations, and where the unique spirit of our city shines brightest. ‘Windows on Canal’ beautifully layers art onto this historic canvas, inviting everyone to see and appreciate the profound cultural significance of this iconic boulevard.”

To register for the free Windows on Canal Art and Architecture tour visit celebratecanal.com/events. Seating is limited and the event is expected to sell out.

 

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About Celebrate Canal!
Formed by the New Orleans Entertainment Coalition, Celebrate Canal! is a citizen-led coalition dedicated to the revitalization of Canal Street as a historic, cultural and economic cornerstone of life in New Orleans. The coalition brings together a cross section of citizens, business owners and city leaders to restore Canal Street to attract visitors and locals alike, boost the economy and create a vibrant and bustling atmosphere reflective of the world-famous city of New Orleans.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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