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n 2019 we published our first installment of Acadiana Trailblazers. The concept was simple: Find Acadianians d o i n g i mp re s s ive t h i n g s. Thankfully, that par t was simple. It comes as no surprise that there are a lot of people in Acadiana who are shaking things up, forging a new path and lifting others up as they do it. The hard part isn’t locating these individuals. No, no. The hard part is narrowing down the list. The folks we picked (with the help of your online nominations) are talented, driven, creative and inspire everyone with whom they For our music makers come into contact. They feature, writer and certainly inspire me. I photographer Kevin hope you agree and feel a Rabalais traveled the lit tle more motivated region to get at the heart of Acadiana’s toward your own dreams tradition of instrument after reading about our makers. Their work 2022 Acadiana Trailblazers. permeates every Much like the trailaspect of Acadiana’s culture, such as the blazers keeping the spirit Courir de Mardi Gras of Acadian ingenuity alive, at Mermentau Cove. our music makers feature Pictured here is Jerrett is an exploration of the LeBlanc during the run. artisans in Acadiana who are keeping the tradition of instrument making alive. Writer and photographer Kevin Rabalais traveled the region in search of instrument makers and musicians, as well musicians who are instrument makers. The result is a gorgeous deep dive into a part of the culture that is so ingrained and important, it permeates every fiber of the region. Music is in Acadiana’s DNA and, much like an appendage, the instruments made here are simply an extension of the people creating and playing these beautiful works of art. While design, art, fun things to do, music and Cajun culture in general are of course always a big part of Acadiana Profile, at its heart, this magazine is about people. Often, it’s about people helping people. Which is another easy thing to find in Acadiana. If you need a hand, Acadiana is the place to find it. Acadianians help their neighbors. So much so, they even often help their neighboring states and the neighboring states of those states. The history of the people of this region — from Acadians fleeing their homeland to countless historic natural disasters — means that Acadianaians know what it’s like to need help, so they give it freely when other’s need it, too. In that spirit, to accompany our annual Top
International and Regional Magazine Association 2021
Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Silver Covid Related Story Silver Food Feature Bronze Overall Art Direction 2020
Lawyers list this year, we’re shining the spotlight on a group that uses their education, expertise and time to help people who otherwise couldn’t afford their services. The Lafayette Bar Foundation exists to do just that and a group of lawyers within the foundation focuses its efforts on helping abused women. Reading about the important, uplifting and lifechanging work of this group is sure to change everything you thought you knew about law and the justice system. Now, I’m well aware that some of you are just here for the food photos and recipes or to find out what restaurant you should visit next, so if that’s your thing, we have you covered, too. I get it! Meanwhile, the spring weather is drawing us out and about, our favorite festivals are back and, as ever, it’s a great time to be in Acadiana. Enjoy the issue and the season. Cheers!
Gold Overall Art Direction Silver Art and Culture Feature Silver Recreation Feature Bronze Food Feature Bronze Profiles Bronze Art Direction of a Single Story 2019
Winner Magazine of the Year Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Art Direction Single Story Gold Photo Series Silver Photographer of the Year 2018
Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Gold Department Silver Magazine Writer of the Year Silver Hed & Dek Silver Photo Series 2017
Melanie Warner Spencer Managing Editor Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com
Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Silver Cover 2016
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ACADIANA PROFILE
APRIL/MAY 2022
Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Silver Photo Series
