2021 VISUAL ARTISTS
Festival International de Louisiane is pleased to announce their Official Visual Artists for the 35th annual event. After a trying year like 2020, the organization felt that now is the perfect time to celebrate the unity and diversity that Festival International encompasses and shares with the world. Rather than selecting one Official Artist for this year, like usual, Festival has brought together multiple artisans with diverse backgrounds and mediums to create a piece of commissioned artwork that is unifying and unique.
The all star collaborators for the new art piece, titled ‘Woven in Culture’, include Neka Mire, Jerome Ford and Luann Duhon. Festival believes that by coming together, its fans, artists and organizers can rise above these challenges to manifest something even greater than before.
JEROME FORD, PAINTER
Jerome Ford, the painter out of this special collaboration, was born and raised in New Orleans and this is reflected in his vibrant artwork. Ford taught within the Talented Visual Arts Program in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina, and then came to Opelousas to continue enriching the lives of children and our local art community.
NEKA S. MIRE, WEAVER & BEAD ARTIST
Neka began beading as a child and continued to expand her artistry over the years. In addition to beading and cane weaving, she designs & crochets accessories and practices finger weaving, tablet weaving, and inkle weaving. She continues to learn and share the techniques of her Chitimacha ancestors & tribe.
LUANN DUHON, POTTER
A potter for 40+ years, Luann Duhon has been part of Festival since its inception over 30 years ago. From volunteering to selling her artwork as a vendor and beyond, Luann knows Festival. Luann has raised her family while maintaining vital roles in local arts organizations, including a hand in establishing the Louisiana Crafts Guild.
THE ORIGINAL ARTWORK
This collaborative piece is available for purchase through April 30th.
To place your bid, contact carly@festivalinternational.org or visit Acadiana Center for the Arts in person.
THE 2021 OFFICIAL POSTER
Now available for purchase in our web store!
