About Crevasse 22

A recent influx of creative momentum has been established in St Bernard Parish as artist studios, an arthouse cinema, the Meraux Foundation and various other creative industries are prospering within the existing diverse economic base. The Film industry has as also helped to anchor St. Bernard Parish firmly on the creative map of the region. Crevasse 22 hopes to participate in these innovations and expand the long term vision of the region as a thriving cultural hub.

  • Location

    Crevasse 22 is located in the Mississippi River Delta just south east of New Orleans. Its name is derived from a devastating 1922 crevasse, a massive breach of the Mississippi River levee in front of the Poydras plantation in St. Bernard Parish. This predated the ‘Great Flood’ of 1927, when New Orleans leaders unnecessarily exploded the nearby levee to prevent the potential flooding of New Orleans itself.

  • History

    History

    St. Bernard Parish occupies a unique space, geographically, historically, and environmentally. Located at the mouth of the Mighty Mississippi River, it was the site of the famed Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Today, the battle is to preserve this beautiful and critical coastal habitat on the front line of storm surges, land loss, and rising seas. Still, challenges are nothing new here, and the resilient residents of St. Bernard are a people of the land and made up of a rich tapestry of humanity. They bring their unique energy and creativity to face today’s challenges and ensure a lively, more livable future for this special piece of our global puzzle.

  • Crevasse 22: Our Vision

    Through a creativity-centered lens Crevasse 22 aims to develop an arts based economic engine that provides equitable opportunities to creative practitioners from diverse communities. The environmental precarity of the location itself invites creative exploration, response, and problem solving. In creating a gathering place for creative minds, Crevasse 22 hopes to contribute to an equitable revitalization of the region, transform local culture and champion ecological preservation.

Crevasse at Poydras:

Learn more about the crevasse formed during The Great Flood of 1922 with John Barry.

It is against this backdrop that Crevasse 22 aims to preserve the locale's deep history and serene environment as well as nurture and grow artists and creatives in the region.

The Founders

  • Sidney D. Torres III

    FOUNDER

    Sidney D. Torres III is a well known business leader in Chalmette, notably at the helm of the Sidney Torres Law Firm. He has invested in the community of St. Bernard Parish for decades and is known for his love of the arts and as a devoted equestrian. Keen to share the inspiration and tranquility of the region, Sidney and his late wife Roberta founded Crevasse 22 in 2014.

  • Roberta L. Burns

    FOUNDER

    Roberta L. Burns was an accomplished attorney, animal lover, and patron of the arts. She made the Poydras region her home during her 35 years with Torres Law Firm, and became an icon in the legal profession, excelling in class action, mass torts, and complex litigation. Roberta’s passion for the law was only exceeded by her deep love for animals and the arts. The Creative Residency at Crevasse 22 honors her legacy as a supporter of creatives.

  • Jeanne Nathan

    FOUNDER

    Jeanne Nathan is the executive Director of The Creative Alliance of New Orleans (CANO), a network of cultural producers, community organizations, and creative professionals based in New Orleans. In 2015, Jeanne staged a temporary outdoor sculpture exhibition called “Surge” on a site generously donated by Sidney D. Torres III during Prospect.3. Since then the site developed its potential as a local arts hub and Crevasse 22 as we know it today was born. In her capacity as curator and director at Crevasse 22, Jeanne develops programming at the site including seasonal events and rotating exhibitions.