Layla Ardalan has been exhibiting her work at Jazz Fest in the Contemporary Crafts section for only five years, during which she’s seen exponential growth in her art, recognition, and income.

Cyrous and Layla Ardalan. (Photo by: Kelcy Wilburn)

“The first year I exhibited at Jazz Fest, it poured rain the entire time. It was a total disaster,” Ardalan said. “Since then, things have only gotten better. I’m almost waiting for the bottom to drop out.”

Ardalan has had a big year leading up to her second weekend appearance at Jazz Fest 2014. One year ago, she was awarded Best in Show for her body of work at the festival, which mostly consists of brightly colored mixed media collages that incorporate specialty fabrics and other materials such as drawings, paper cut-outs, and embroidery.

This year, Ardalan is exhibiting pieces from her Indigo Katazome series featuring antique, hand-loomed batik fabric from Japan.

“This series is also inspired by the flora in my Japanese zen garden which surrounds my studio,” Ardalan said. “Ferns, willows, and Japanese magnolias are all captured in this new series.”

Pieces from her dramatic Elevation series are on display as well. Elevation explores the relationship between the architecture of New Orleans and its surrounding watery landscape.

In each of the last three years Ardalan has sold out of the work she exhibited at Jazz Fest.

“Jazz Fest is my single best show of the year and has dramatically altered the trajectory of my art career in New Orleans,” she said. “It’s allowed me to purchase my first home in Bayou St. John, blocks from the fairgrounds, and afforded me invaluable opportunities.”

One such opportunity included a commission by the Krewe of Rex to create the 2014 Rex Proclamation, which was unveiled in a ceremony with Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

In addition to the various honors and purchase of her first home, Ardalan, formerly known to many as Layla Messkoub, was also married, thereby gaining a new name.

Find Layla Ardalan in Section F of Contemporary Crafts, between the Blues and Gospel Tents.