It is always special fun to announce achievements on the local level. I get to invite friends to come see our thriving local art scene, right here in Northeast Louisiana!

Réveillon is a fundraiser for our Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. It’s happening this Saturday, January 10, at 7 p.m. at the Bayou Pointe event center on the ULM campus. (Tickets here.) Large artworks will be auctioned live, and small artworks will be available for bid in a silent auction. My piece in the silent auction, Boudoir for a Beast, is a 12×9 limited edition archival print in a re-purposed vintage wood frame. I have great fun matching current prints to vintage frames and this one is a stellar match!

The Masur Museum in Monroe, La., is owned by the city and was made possible by the donation of a lovely stone dwelling on a riverfront property. Every year for 60+ years it has hosted a national art show juried by a well-known professional curator. I apply most years (at least since the late teens) and this year I’m invited for only the second time!

Serendipity II is a 7×7 archival print in a 12×12 white wood frame. The 63rd Annual Juried Show will open at the Masur February 26 and remain there until May 2. I am delighted to invite friends from near and far to attend the opening reception February 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Of course, I will be there. You will know me by the proud grin! The Masur is located at 1400 S. Grand St., Monroe.

You know what I love most about this announcement? It shows the opposites of my work: the wild creature in its beautiful habitat and the artful human habitat created by architects and hard hats! I love both the swamp and the city. Maybe they’re not so much opposites after all.