Dot,
Being an art teacher I think you will find New Orleans very interesting. Be sure to try and hit Magazine street if time allows. Lot of local artist shops there. Also they now have a tour that takes you thru the 9th ward area where Katrina was the most devastating. You can also see musicians row, along with the community that Brad Pitt help establish. It also takes you to one of the cemeteries there and the guide is very very informative. I live in Lafayette about 2.5 hrs west of New Orleans.