While dancers from the Lafayette Ballet Theatre have been practicing their pirouettes, leaps and fouettes for the upcoming Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, coming to The Heymann Performing Arts Center December 9 and 10, local artists from another genre have used their brush strokes of genius to create their versions of the famed wooden figurine for the fourth annual nutcracker silent auction.

“To put on a production of The Nutcracker the caliber of the Lafayette Ballet takes tremendous fundraising throughout the year, and an event like the silent auction helps defray costs associated with the set, lighting and the rental of the venue, among others expenses” says Meghan Lachaussee, president of the Lafayette Ballet Foundation.

In October the foundation procured the talent of artists from Lafayette and the surrounding area, to paint and embellish 12-inch, unfinished nutcrackers provided to them. Using their own styles and imaginations, they put their creative spins on the figures through paint, mixed media and a host of unique ideas.

Left to their own creativity, artists have painted nutcrackers in the likeness of animals, superheroes, or with religious themes; some have been tricked out to light up and turn. The unique pieces have sold for as much as $500, and have drawn repeat customers who want to grow their collection.

This year’s participating artists, many of them friends and supporters of the Ballet Theatre, include Aimee Cotter, Rita Goodrich, Brooke Hoogendoom, Earl Paddock, Emily Pitre, Hannah Mason, Jamie Lee Williams Breland, Kali Picard, Kelli Kaufman, Meghan Cornay Lavin, Meghan Menard, Missy Cannon and Rachel Swan. Lachaussee describes the artists’ works and their grand gesture as “beautiful” adding, “We’re blessed to have such an art community help the Lafayette Ballet Theatre. I love them all, as I’ve gotten to know each of them over the years when I collect their nutcrackers.”

The online auction will run from Dec. 3-10 and will also feature two stand-out wreaths each adorned with characters from Acts 1 and 2 of the ballet. You can find the link to the auction on Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s Facebook, Instagram or website. The actual nutcrackers can be viewed at The Heymann Performing Arts Center during the Dec. 9 evening performance and the matinees on the 10th.

Founded in 1982 Lafayette Ballet Theatre is Acadiana’s professional ballet company. As a non-profit organization, it operates solely on donations and grants. Money raised through the nutcracker silent auction will go back to the company’s mission to bring professional ballet experiences and education to our community.

“Lafayette Ballet is very grateful for our local artists who support us each year by submitting a one-of-a-kind painted nutcracker. Through their time, talents and creativity, they help keep our ballet artists performing,” says Lachaussee.