Festival International de Louisiane is proud to announce that Dusty Reed has been selected as the Official Visual Artist for Festival 2024. As the chosen artist, Dusty has recently completed the Official Artwork to represent this cultural celebration that attracts attendees from around the world.

Born and raised in Acadiana, Dusty Reed has worked as a professional artist for over 15 years. Dusty’s art reflects the vibrant culture of this region. He uses a broad spectrum of visual art, from paintings and sculptures to multi-dimensional installations. He creates many of his pieces from objects and repurposing long-forgotten items you might recognize.

Known as “The Cajun Picasso,” Dusty is continuously discovering new mediums to use in his art. He defines his work as “ColkArt”, a combination of contemporary Folk Art (art produced from an indigenous culture) with Cubism (where objects are analyzed from depicting the object from a multitude of viewpoints). 

“Dusty has been an art vendor at Festival International for years, and we have certainly had our eyes on him.” says Carly Viator, Marketing Director of Festival International. “His enthusiasm and passion as an artist and for Festival International, combined with immense talent, made Dusty an obvious choice to represent our event as the Official Visual Artist.” 

Similarly, Reed had his focus on earning this highly regarded title and was motivated to make it a reality. 

“I was extremely excited to be chosen as the 2024 Official Visual Artist for Festival. I have wanted this for a long time. It was definitely on my bucket list. I just knew that I needed to do it.” stated Dusty. “I paint and draw so much inspiration from Acadiana, and to create something that says not only something about our area, but about me, and having the opportunity to share that with hundreds of thousands of people is just mind blowing. It’s surreal.”

The Festival team is very pleased with the final piece Reed created for the 38th annual event, which will set the tone for the pin, poster, merchandise and overall theme for 2024. “The unexpected materials used, vibrant colors and overall shape of the massive piece has us all excited for next year.” the organization shared.

“Imagining when I see my work on the pin and poster out at Festival next year”, Dusty added, “I just can’t wait to experience that. I mean, WOW! My momma is going to be happy. That’s all I have to say about that.” 

The pin and poster are now available to purchase in the festival’s web store. They will also be available on site at Festival International 2024.

Dusty Reed’s work and more information can be found at www.cajunpicasso.com, and in person at the Lafayette Art Association & Gallery located in the Oil Center.