THE ARTIST’S ISSUE
Welcome to The Artist’s Issue of POV!
This September, we are thrilled to celebrate the vibrant art community that thrives right here in our region. Somehow over the years, we have never dedicated an issue entirely to artists! Art has a unique way of connecting us, allowing us to see the world through different lenses, and inspiring us to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.
Let me start off by saying I am NOT an artist. Sure, my parents enrolled me in various art classes as a child, hoping to find some kind of hidden talent. I had the privilege of taking lessons from Mrs. Robbie Leblanc and Mrs. Jere Richard during the long, hot summers. Alas, no true talent lies in my drawing or painting skills. You probably don’t want me on your team for Pictionary.
Despite my personal lack of skill, I do appreciate art! I can get lost in a gallery, looking at paintings and photos and sculptures. I love how every piece of art contains a piece of the artist’s soul. No matter the medium, art seems to me to be a living, breathing thing. My personal favorite is watercolor. My mom paints with watercolor, and creates the most stunning pieces. I love seeing that part of her shining bright in her paintings.
We also explore the rich history and ongoing contributions of the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild and Art Gallery, a cornerstone of our artistic heritage. The Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild was founded in 1963 with a simple but profound goal: to promote art and art culture in Terrebonne Parish. The Guild soon grew to include surrounding parishes across
In this issue, we shine a spotlight on Lily Luke, a local artist whose work captures the essence of our community with breathtaking detail. Known for her playful, lively, and free-spirited artistic style, Lily’s creations serve as a breath of fresh air in a world often dominated by minimalist aesthetics. Within her pieces, her love for adding color to otherwise drab settings stands out. Learn more about Lily’s story starting on page 14.
south Louisiana as the years progressed, encompassing a wider and more diverse variety of artists and art lovers. The Guild represents and exhibits a large variety of different artistic mediums, including acrylic and oil paint, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, collages, and much more –showcasing artists from New Orleans to Gonzales to Morgan City. Take a peek inside this local treasure starting on page 18.
For those inspired to create their own masterpieces, we introduce you to Lefevre’s Art Supply and Custom Framing, where the tools of the trade are as unique and carefully curated as the art they help to produce. Owned by Dominique and Shane Quinn, who bought the store in 2023, the couple continue the tradition of being a locally owned art supply store. While their main focus is custom framing, they do have an art supply section that caters to local artists, selling high quality, fine art supplies. They also offer art classes during the summer months! Support locals and see what’s inside the shop starting on page 26.
Finally, we look ahead to the Bayou Arts Fest, a celebration that brings together artists, performers, and art lovers from all walks of life. This event is more than just a festival; it’s a testament to the creativity and cultures of our community. Now in its third year, this year’s festival introduces an exciting new feature: The Culture Collective, presented by the Atchafalaya National Heritage Foundation Legacy Grant. The Culture Collective is more than just an addition to the festival—it’s a vibrant showcase of the diverse traditions that make our community so unique. Celebrate Arts and Humanities Month in October with the Bayou Arts Fest brought together by the Bayou Region Arts Council and Explore Houma. Check out what’s to come starting on page 22.
As you turn the pages of this issue, I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the talent and passion of our local artists. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the arts, for they are the heartbeat of our culture. Thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing in this journey of artistic exploration. POV
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Where do you find the inspiration to create your art in today's world?
ELLEN
I find inspiration in our unique culture and nature.
KASSIE
I find inspiration in helping to make my community beautiful, and by hoping to brighten someone's day.
STACEY
Since childhood I’ve been driven to create which now can easily be described as an obsession. While in college I developed a medical condition called POTS which ultimately led to a life changing event in 1995 when I passed out and was run over by a car. At the scene of the accident I was, for a while, a quadriplegic vegetable regaining the movement of two fingers on my right hand before leaving the scene. I instantly developed a profound appreciation and gratitude for the use of those two fingers. YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOSE EVERYTHING, YOU APPRECIATE EVERYTHING! My road of recovery to my ‘New Normal’ taught an appreciation for the little things in life and the importance of family, as well as a profound understanding of the power of positive thought along with the desire to notice the beauty that surrounds us daily. I paint what I love, I embrace the history that surrounds us and I take in all the details as if it’s the last time I’ll ever see it. You see, I want to create a lasting memory in case my memory fails me in time. These paintings I create will forever hold all I hold dear of my surroundings while reminding me when I can no longer recall the why and the where.
KAYLA
I’ve recently gathered inspiration through many areas, such as music, nature, conversation, and traveling. Sometimes, when inspiration is low, I like to put on my favorite playlist and just start playing around with different materials or styles to see what happens! Every mark can be inspiration for the next.
HANS
I feel so blessed to have the abilities to create and interpret our surroundings through art. When I look around me every day and I see the beauty of God’s creation in people, the landscape, the sunset, and the heavens, I cannot help but to be inspired by such things.
A HOME EVOLVING WITH LOVE AND CARE
BY MARY DOWNER DITCH | PHOTOS MISTY LEIGH MCELROY
Since 2011, Toby and Teri Liner have called their charming three-bedroom, two-bath house home. Over the years, as their lives have grown busier, they’ve gradually begun to renovate, tailoring the space to better suit their family’s needs.
The heart of their home is undoubtedly the kitchen—a warm, inviting space where the family comes together. Teri’s favorite spot is the large island with seating for four, perfect for everything from casual meals to homework
sessions. The kitchen’s thoughtful design encourages connection and serves as the true gathering place in the Liner household.
With the kitchen as the focal point, the Liners wanted to make better use of the adjacent space that once served as a formal dining room. They enlisted the help of Shannon Bella from Knight n Day Designs to reimagine this area. Shannon transformed it into a cozy nook, complete with stylish swivel chairs, where the family can relax and
entertain friends. She also guided them in selecting new lighting, hardware, backsplash, cabinet colors, and stools, ensuring the kitchen renovation was cohesive and reflective of the Liners' style.
The ongoing renovation journey has been a labor of love for Toby and Teri, as they continue to shape their home into a space that fits their family's lifestyle perfectly. POV
BY HEIDI GUIDRY | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES
Lily Luke, a gifted local artist, has made a colorful impact on the city of Houma with her vibrant and captivating artwork, all at the age of 21.
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in artistic expression, Lily attributes much of her creative journey to the influence of her family members. Both of her grandmothers were skillful artists, and she cherishes fond memories of admiring the paintings that lined the walls of their homes. Growing up immersed in an environment filled with art, Lily’s father played a pivotal role in nurturing her artistic interests. She vividly recalls how he would involve her in his painting process, allowing her to contribute to the intricate details of his artwork. What started as a father spending time with his daughter, turned into a passion that still burns today.
has always held a special place in her heart, Lily’s creative talents extended beyond painting. She also learned to play the guitar, ultimately solidifying her conviction that art was the path she was destined to walk.
that my art adds a pop of color that it needs to make the space more unique." She draws inspiration from her surroundings, allowing her immediate environment to guide her in a deeply personal and immersive creative process.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Lily expresses gratitude for being surrounded by creativity from a young age, recalling, "I did a lot of creative things growing up." While art
free-spirited
artistic style, Lily’s creations serve as a breath of fresh air in a world often dominated by minimalist aesthetics. Lily defines her work and emphasizes her love for adding color to otherwise drab settings, "My style is very fun and colorful and free," she said, "I love
Her local community serves as a reservoir of inspiration, with Lily finding her greatest muse in the diverse people in the community. She holds a deep reverence for Southern culture, highlighting the pivotal role played by the people in making it truly remarkable. Lily is not only interested in capturing her subjects' outward appearance, but also desires to explore her clients' stories and portray these narratives through her art. "I always start off with learning more about who my subject is and their story so I can reflect on it while I paint them," she reveals. She also immerses herself in music while she paints, claiming doing so loosens her up and adds more soul to her work.
The depth and soul she pours into her painted portraits are a testament to the care she devotes to her craft. What started as helping her father with little details has led to an early
career of capturing people’s most memorable moments. Lily’s dedication and talent have earned her recognition, particularly in commissioned work. Despite her packed schedule as a college student, she wholeheartedly immerses herself in her art, whether she’s painting live portraits at weddings or capturing the timelessness of family. While being young does mean energy, having a creative soul does become demanding.
While she acknowledges the blessings that come with a growing clientele, Lily grapples with the challenge of burnout as she tries to create a delicate balance between continuous art pursuits and the need for rest. She feels that being creative also has to come with a harmony of inspiration, rest, and passion, "Sometimes I need to take breaks to go out and live my life," she confides. She went on to share that she sometimes has to immerse herself into life to get the spark back, "I have to get inspired so that when I come back to do art, the fire inside me is enough to create a great piece." Being able to refresh emphasizes her unwavering commitment to her craft despite what life throws her way.
Lily's reflections on her artistic journey provide profound insight into her most significant milestones. Looking back at her career so far, Lily fondly remembers her junior year in high school being the most unforgettable. It was during this year that she started showcasing her art on social media, and it was also during this time that people began to respond. At just 16 years old, Lily started getting inquiries for commission work. The venture took off like she never expected, and she was able to take the opportunity to switch to online schooling her senior year so she could pursue her art career full-time. "It was such a great accomplishment for me," she proudly shared. She described the way she felt in social situations when it came to school. She said she never felt like there was a place for her, and it was challenging to feel like she fit in. The only thing she had true passion and fire for was her art, "Being able to do it full time was really
fulfilling," she conveyed.
The rich tapestry of Southern Louisiana culture, steeped in its recipe of culinary charms, musical heritage, artistic expression, and time-honored traditions, serves as a fountain of inspiration for Lily. She firmly believes that art is instrumental in shaping and influencing local culture. She expressed that without art, the essence of our culture would be diminished, "The arts are so important in our culture because it gives people an outlet to express themselves," she passionately said, "People’s art makes society more beautiful." It’s this deep philosophy that serves as the driving force behind her unwavering pursuit of artistic growth and innovation.
Looking towards the future, Lily is eager and excited about her upcoming projects. She will continue to capture the environment that surrounds her, but her journey has taken her into live painting. Lily has dived into live wedding paintings, which she described as pure and immeasurable joy. Being able to first-hand experience exuberant celebrations has brought her fulfillment, and she is enthusiastic about being able to encapsulate the once-in-alifetime moments on canvas. She said, "I absolutely love doing live wedding paintings and getting to talk to people while I paint... It’s really special that I get to create something to commemorate the best day of their lives, and they will cherish it forever."
As Lily continues to captivate audiences with her colorful and soul-stirring creations, she stands as a shining embodiment of an artist who infuses her local community with passion and vibrancy. Each stroke of her brush adds a unique dimension to the cultural fabric of Houma, cementing her status as an artist of remarkable talent and unwavering dedication. POV
BY ISABELLE PINTO | PHOTOS PROVIDED
The Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild, nestled in the heart of downtown Houma, is working to highlight the unique spirit our local artists have to offer. With a 6-decade-long passion for supporting the arts through classes, exhibitions, connections, and so much more, the local guild and gallery offers a welcoming space where creativity thrives and community connections flourish.
The Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild was founded in 1963 with a simple but profound goal: to promote art and art culture in Terrebonne Parish. The Guild soon grew to include surrounding parishes across south Louisiana as the years progressed, encompassing a wider and more diverse variety of artists and art lovers.
For local artists, creating connections is essential to getting your art into the world, and the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild provides that opportunity for many in our area. "The Guild is truly for anyone who loves art and is interested in highlighting those who are practicing in our community – all across the board," said Karen Kelly, Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild Treasurer. "You do not have to be an artist to join, but after 10 minutes we will probably have you painting!"
Although the Guild began as a small, like-minded group of people with a passion for local art, the organization soon realized they were ready to bring more to the community, and expanded into their official physical building almost 20 years later. The official Downtown Art Gallery, located at 630 Belanger Street in Houma, was established in 1979 to promote active participation in the visual arts through exhibitions, art classes, and local competitions.
"A lot of people may not know that we are not only a group supporting artists, but we have a full gallery where we display local art year round," explained Janice McBride, Gallery Director of the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild. "We change the artwork completely four times a year, encompassing a very beautiful, unique, and special variety of work. The greatest thing about our Gallery is seeing people walk in and be blown away by the sheer caliber of art that is exhibited. We have so many very talented and award-winning artists in our area."
The Guild represents and exhibits a large variety of different artistic mediums, including acrylic and oil paint, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, collages, and much more – showcasing artists from New Orleans to Gonzales to Morgan City. "We don't restrict or turn anyone away from joining our organization and showing their art," explained Janice. "If you have a talent and want to show it off, we will help you do just that."
Alongside their seasonally rotating exhibitions, the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild highlights a specific Artist of the Month, which is typically a veteran Guild member. These special exhibitions include a personal theme and an artist reception, where community members can come view the body of work, speak with the artist, and enjoy light refreshments. August’s Artist of the Month was Karen Kelly herself, who presented a series of pieces about her travels. Karen has been a member of the Guild and an officer in the organization since 1975. September ’s Artist of the Month is Ms. Anita Portier, an imaginative painter and member of the Guild for almost 10 years.
Other exhibition opportunities include the Guild’s beloved annual Spring Show and their annual Student Art Show for grades 1-12. At these respective shows, 200+ artists from across the state compete for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and People’s Choice in a variety of different categories.
theme to work in whichever medium they want, and it’s always so fun to see what they come up with." This past challenge was "mountains," and Guild members completed a variety of different works relating to that specific theme. "We have 10 or more pieces in the back right now featuring mountains – we love seeing the unique spin each artist puts on it," said Karen. "These
The Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild is not only focused on promoting and exhibiting local artists, but also encouraging them to grow in their practice through challenges and competitions. "We like to host gallery competitions to keep things interesting, every two months or so," chuckled Karen. "We give the artists a
challenges really help bring the artists out of their comfort zone, pushing them to create something they might not be used to."
Practicing artists are not the only focus of the local Guild, however – these art-lovers are also dedicated to promoting art and culture throughout the community as a whole. Particularly geared towards kids, teens, and adults who love art but may not know where to start, the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild provides a variety of different classes and activities to get people in touch with their creativity.
These classes take place year-round, and are offered to all ages and skill levels. Some recent classes include free children’s Saturday art classes, oil and pastel workshops, alcohol ink Christmas ornament workshops, and much more. A newly
September 2024 20 povhouma.com
implemented community event was Van Gogh in the Park, a no-experience necessary, guided painting class at Courthouse Square in Downtown Houma. Dozens of art lovers gathered together downtown to replicate Vincent Van Gogh’s two most famous paintings, Starry Night and Sunflowers.
"We had so much fun at Van Gogh in the Park that we wanted to expand on that idea this fall," said Karen. "We are planning to do Monet at the Marina, where people can come to paint his famous water lilies, and then before the end of the year we want to do Picasso in the Plaza. We try to keep things interesting!"
All the leaders in the Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild are entirely volunteer-based, and for Janice and Karen, it is a labor of love that is well worth it. "I've been a member of the guild since the 70's, and the friendships and connections I've made have been incredible," said Karen. "Everyone in the Guild’s main focus is promoting the arts and helping our community. We have become an organization I am so proud of. We welcome everyone with open arms."
"The best part of being here is watching how the artists grow, develop, and change in their talent over the years," said Janice. "Art is always so different and flexible, and we really embrace that here. We have been having lots of younger artists getting involved, which makes us so happy to see. We need that young perspective in the local arts and hope the community will continue to embrace and support our cause."
The Terrebonne Fine Arts Guild Gallery is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, and Saturday from 12:00-4:00 PM. If you are a local artist wishing to exhibit your work in the gallery, or an art lover wanting to join the Guild’s mission, please download a membership application from their website (www. terrebonnefineartsguild.org) or call 985851-219. Everyone is welcome to join the mission of promoting local arts in our beautiful community! POV
Stop in or call our Mortgage Loan Originator, Annette Dupont. She will match you with the perfect loan to meet your needs.
BY MARY DOWNER DITCH
This October, as we celebrate Arts and Humanities Month, Downtown Houma will transform into a bustling hub of culture and creativity. The Bayou Arts Fest invites you to experience a weekend where art, culture, and community converge in an unforgettable celebration.
Taking place on Friday, October 11, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., the festival promises a kaleidoscope of experiences that will captivate your senses and ignite your imagination.
“We had our first Bayou Arts Fest in 2022, hosted by the Bayou Regional Arts Council,” shared Genie Ardoin, executive director of the Bayou Regional Arts Council. “It was a smaller scale event, with only 400-500 attendees. In 2023, we came together with Explore Houma and the White Boot Stroll and combined it into one larger festival. This year, in partnership with Explore Houma, the Bayou Arts Council is excited to expand even further on this amazing event!”
This year’s festival introduces an exciting new feature: The Culture Collective, presented by the Atchafalaya National Heritage Foundation Legacy Grant. Only ten organizations in the state can be awarded this grant, so this was a huge honor for the festival.
The Culture Collective is more than just an addition to the festival—it’s a vibrant showcase of the diverse traditions that make our community so unique. From the lively beats of Cajun Music Preservation Society and African American drum circles to the intricate flavors of Latino and Native American cuisines, the festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the Bayou Region. It’s an opportunity to experience the world without leaving Houma. As part of the Bayou Arts Fest, it will provide an immersive experience, allowing festival-goers to delve into the flavors, rhythms, and traditions of the cultures that define our community. Highlights will include basket weaving, wood carving, moss dolls, an ofrenda, the Finding Our Roots museum bus, LGBTQ+, and more, all presented by locals eager to share their cultural heritage. A culture fashion show will be a large part of the festival as well, showcasing clothing across the generations of each culture.
“I’m so excited about The Culture Collective,” said Genie. “I think it’s going to become a massive part of our festival. Over the years, I see so many ways that this can evolve and include so many members of our community. We are still
BY MISTY MCELROY
[one month] out, and the people we have signed up already are going to just bring so much to the festival. We have such a variety of cultures!”
Those interested in showcasing and celebrating their cultures can still contact Genie at director@bayouarts.org. As the festival gets closer, more details on each culture and what they have in store will be shared on social media!
But the Bayou Arts Fest is more than just a cultural celebration; it’s a feast for the senses. Throughout the weekend, the streets of Downtown Houma will come alive with the sounds of live music, the sights of stunning visual art, and the energy of live performances. Over 60 local artists and craft vendors will showcase their talents. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply enjoy shopping, there’s something here for everyone.
“Our mission to increase accessibility to arts, and to keep expanding these different avenues of art in our festival is important to us,” said Genie. “We welcome anyone to come
and represent any type of art.”
This year’s musical lineup for the event includes exciting musical favorites. The White Boot Stage will host the Singer Songwriter Sessions, Curly Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, and The Pine Leaf Boys. The Main Stage will showcase show stopping performances from Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Don Rich, Randy Jackson, Chubby Carrier, Nonc Nu & da Wild Matous, Tyron Benoit, Josh Garrett, Cantina Flies, Bang Bang, and Steve Junot and Friends.
“This festival is possible because of collaboration,” shared Genie. “I think to make a festival this large by yourself, with one organization, takes years and years and years of growth. If you are able to combine organizations together, it can expand much quicker. It’s so amazing to be able to work all together and to see the support each group provides.”
New to the festival this year is also a VIP ticket! The VIP ticket will be $150. This gives you access to the VIP area inside Memorial Park, a special area in the front of each stage, and an invite to the bourbon tasting room inside Brackish. Water, wine
and refreshments will also be provided for this experience.
So, mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a weekend of inspiration, exploration, and celebration. The Bayou Arts Fest is a place where creativity knows no bounds, and diversity shines bright. Best of all, admission is free, making it accessible to all. It’s more than just another community event—it’s a testament to the power of art to bring people together, transcend boundaries, and celebrate the beauty of our shared humanity. POV
Back in July of 2007, Lefevre’s Art Supply and Custom Framing was unexpectedly opened by two nurses interested in a career change. James and Angie Lefevre brought the small, locally owned, custom framing shop to Houma, La. and it has since been a haven for the artists of the South.
Now, the shop is owned by Dominique and Shane Quinn, who bought the store in 2023. Dominique is a born and raised resident of Raceland, La. while her husband Shane has lived here for 15 years. Dominique has always carried a strong affinity for art, having studied at the Art Institute of Phoenix. When the store popped up for sale, she knew it’d be the perfect place for her creative ambitions.
“We mostly do custom framing, but we do have small art supply sections. We try to cater to local artists so we sell lots of high quality, fine art supplies. We’re not really a crafty store,” said Dominique. “We also do photo restoration and plaque engravings for awards and things.”
Keeping the name it’s had for over 17 years, Lefevre’s is located in Bayou Cane on Enterprise Dr. and according to Dominique, the store carries higher quality supplies for fine art such as oil paints and more that big box stores may not offer. Customers are also able to order supplies online while in store.
cheaper supplies that big box stores order in bulk, shopping at small art supply shops like Lefevre’s gives the people of Houma and surrounding areas the chance to seek out high quality supplies. Most of what Lefevre sells is actually right from SLS Arts Inc. in New Orleans. At Lefevre’s everything is right where you need it, and they are more than willing to order any supplies you can't find in store.
“Being able to see all of the different artwork and things we get to frame is always cool, and hearing the stories behind things,” Dominique said of her favorite part about running the store. “When artists are coming in looking for
Dominique that plenty of people down here do share a big appreciation for art. While she is thankful for her business, she is a bit surprised that the local area does not have more fine art supply shops like them as she finds there to be a pretty big art community here.
A good portion of their business comes from the art students of Nicholls State University. Dominique said, “We actually have a great relationship with Nicholls. I work closely with the art department to find out their supply lists that they need, and I carry specifically everything they need. They just have to come here. They don’t have to go anywhere else. I carry everything!”
stuff, I usually get to chat with them about what kind of art they do, and then they’ll show me their work and I like seeing what kind of stuff they do. That's always fun.”
“A lot of people like to come in because it’s nice to actually walk into a store and get that ‘art smell.’ The smell of an art store is nice, but I can’t smell it anymore because I’ve gotten used to it. I miss that!” Dominique shared.
Supporting a local business like this means great things for the local art community. Rather than spend money on
Because the summertime is their slowest season of the year, Dominique and Shane started putting on art classes during the summer. The classes were held every other Saturday and featured oil painting or watercolor lessons. Watercolor proved to be more popular this summer, and Dominique plans to revive them again next summer.
Being solely located in Houma has shown
September 2024 27 povhouma.com
Lefevre’s even goes the extra mile to offer pre-made art supply kits for Nicholls’ art students for certain classes such as the beginning design and print making classes. That means the students need only to pay a flat rate, that’s also discounted, to acquire all of their needed school supplies.
Nicholls students can also get a ten percent discount on anything they may need all year round.
Getting to be at the epicenter of the Houma art scene, Dominique has been able to encounter many unique artists and art collectors. One story that particularly sticks out to her is one where a guy came in and brought a canvas he bought at an estate sale that turned out to be an original piece by a New Orleans based artist, Harouni.
“It was worth $20,000 and he got it for like $200!”, Dominique shared. “We got to restretch it for him and frame it, and it was crazy because it was like the most expensive art piece I’d ever seen.”
Lefevre’s, customers can see walls of frames with the widest selection in Houma. Each wall has a door that opens with even more frames behind it. While some frames are in store, most are ordered in the length molding meaning it comes in the shape of a stick and they cut it and fit it to whatever shape they’re framing. The most challenging and unique piece they’ve framed so far was a stained glass, octagon shaped piece which required them to measure each side and cut each piece of the framing to fit around it perfectly. Square or round frames tend to be the easiest and most common orders, although Lefevre’s won’t shy away from the challenge.
Aside from the custom framing, Dominique and Shane have started displaying a partial gallery of local artworks in their store.
“We'll have artists come and rent out a little space to put their prints or original paintings. We have people who come in to frame art pieces and who are art appreciators, so it’s nice for them to be able to see some local art and purchase them while in the store,” Dominique said. The display consists of four shelves, each with a corresponding bin, and artists can rent the space for $10 a month, fill it with art pieces no bigger than 11x14, and each week, Dominique will shuffle the
to be on the top shelf. Lefevre’s also takes no percentage of these sales so the local artists get to keep whatever they make from selling in this partial gallery.
“I think it’s pretty cool. It gives them more exposure for their art because there’s not a lot of places they can set up their stuff to sell, and I get customers in here who have the chance to buy them,” Dominique said.
The majority of their customer base for their framing, according to Dominique, tends to be older people with sports memorabilia or art collections. “It’s usually people who have something that’s worth a lot, or means something to them, that they’d like to get framed,” she said.
As for the art supplies, that customer demographic actually tends to be younger people who want to buy things and create art, mostly Nicholls students. Dominique hopes to work more with the Art Guild as well.
Not only does Lefevre's offer their custom framing or gallery space, but they also print high quality art prints for local artists. While they can’t print in super large quantities, the quality speaks for itself.
“There’s one artist who is a consistent person who comes and gets stuff printed. She even has a little display in here where she sells her bookmarks that she paints.
her, digitize them, and make them look as close to the original as possible, and print them for her, and she’s amazed at how they look,” Dominique shared.
Dominique tends to go into the store about an hour or so before opening to work on custom framing orders before customers become her day’s priority. She enjoys the morning quietness, but she is also planning more for Lefevre’s future.
“We’re trying to set up an online website to sell things. We actually got a laser printer and can make custom ornaments that you can get your name on, and we’re trying to get that up before Christmas so people can order them and we can ship them out,” Dominique said. “Once we get that going, maybe the increase in revenue will help us open an online art store with things that can be shipped everywhere. Unfortunately people shop more online than in stores.”
She also has plans to upgrade to a larger format printer so the business can begin offering poster prints and more high quality printing services in general.
It is places like Lefevre’s Art Supply and Custom Framing that helps keep Houma’s art community alive. This is not only a place for artists, but for art appreciators, and anyone wanting and willing to support local businesses in our bayou community. POV
KATIE RICHARD, MA, BSN, RN, DIRECTOR
IN REHAB SHORT TERM
In Augusts, early in the morning on a day in the last few weeks before elementary school began once again, we’d pack an ice chest with luncheon meat, bread, pops, and chips, and then all seven of us would squeeze into the ironclad Chevrolet sedan with the pointy fenders, no air conditioning, and only AM radio. As we headed south on LA 1, the road was a series of concrete slabs that expanded and bulged under the hot sun of late summer, causing a rhythm of bumps that turned our car into a bouncing lowrider. The road was so narrow at this stretch that the occasional edging of the tires into the white clamshells of the road shoulder would raise a cloud of white calcium dust that would cling to our mucus membranes for several days--maybe weeks. But shells came from the sea, and that reminded us that the Gulf and the beaches at Fourchon and Grand Isle lay ahead.
In a few miles, we’d see families with their crab net poles setting up trotlines in the roadside canals. On the right were dozens of fishing camps elevated on creosote posts, each one hosting a mound of oyster shells for some future use. On the left was the bayou, where big steel-hull Floridians and smaller wooden Lafitte skiffs plied their trail to the trawling grounds, occasionally sharing the bayou's width with tugboats and oil field barges. Beyond the bayou on the left were groves of oak trees growing atop the bayou banks, spoil mounds of dredged canals, and what were said to be shell middens built by the early Indigenous.
When the oak groves became sparse, the smell of saltiness and seafood was everywhere. The old and narrow Leeville bridge stood in the distance, tall enough to allow small boats to pass underneath but too tall to justify its frightening wooden approaches. Over the wooden railing, you could see the white crosses of small cemeteries rising between the pumpjacks and well caps. Across the bridge, back at ground level, the earth was a plain of green so vast and continuous that you believed the Gulf was a million miles away. But in the distance, long lines of oak trees running perfectly straight marked the watery horizon and our destination as we closed in on it.
That was the 1960s. The Leeville bridge is taller now and not made of wood. The road is still concrete, but now it’s elevated above water that 60 years ago was the vast green plain of marshland. There’s no marker of the watery horizon because now water is all around. In fact, with the exception of a couple lines of broken and decaying trees near Grand Isle, the dozens of coastal oak tree ridges are all treeless and barren. Those ridges are called “cheniers.”
The Louisiana Gulf Coast is riddled with cheniers. They’ve been forming since prehistoric times as river and bayou sediments spilled into the Gulf were beaten back by Gulf waves. Each ridge at one point in time was the local shoreline. As more sediment was spilled gulfward, new shorelines were also built gulfward, becoming over time a series of ridges high enough above the salty sea to support the growth of live oaks. There’s a chenier plain along the coast in southwest Louisiana, and there’s an infamous plain east of Fourchon that people in PoV country cross each time visit to Grand Isle. That infamy is the Great 1893 Hurricane that destroyed Chênière Caminada, which was the largest coastal fishing village in Louisiana history.
The word “chenier” has an interesting usage outside of local visitors and history. It was written into the scientific literature by geologists in 1935, adopted from the native French speakers in southern Louisiana who had been using the word to describe such ridges of oak trees along the coast. Imagine my surprise when thumbing through a recent issue of the journal Marine Geology (no, not something I do as a hobby) and finding an article titled “Cheniers in China.” “What?!” I exclaimed, awakening the librarians from their cataloguing reverie. Here was a local French word being used as a technical term--and used far away across the world! Ça ne peut pas être!
When you get to thinking about it, however, the Mississippi River and all its prehistoric deltas are not the only streams that spill sediments into the waves of a larger body of water. Get on Google Earth and trace rivers to their coastal plain (yes, something I do as a hobby). At the coast, look in either land direction to search for nearby sets of ridges on the shore of an adjacent sea or ocean. You'll find chênières on Australia’s Cape York Peninsula as its rivers empty into the Gulf of Carpentaria. You'll find cheniers on the Mediterranean Sea just west of the mouth of the Nile, on the Atlantic Ocean just south of the mouth of the Amazon, and in a complex and ornate deltaic plain as the meandering Danube empties into the Black Sea.
It’s amazing to me that one of our ancestral French words in coastal Louisiana persists as a scientific term used around the world. It’s like finding a Popeyes in Shanghai--another tasty exported gift from the people of southern Louisiana. Like other coastal land, however, Louisiana cheniers are at risk of getting overtaken by sea level rise, saltwater incursion, and subsidence. Let’s hope our land protection and restoration efforts prove as resilient as the word itself. POV
Houma Family Dental
RENDEZVOUS
TAWASI Antiques & Art Show
September 6 - 8
Warren J. Harang, Jr. Auditorium,
Thibodaux
The annual TAWASI Antiques & Art Show will offer something for everyone. Antique lovers can come shop hundreds of carefullycurated goods from quality vendors across the country, including antique furniture, jewelry, books, glassware, art, silver, tools and more. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door.
Leading Ladies
September 13 - 22
Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne
The theatre is opening its 2024-2025 season with Ken Ludwig’s production of Leading Ladies. Evening performances begin at 7:00p.m. And Sunday performances at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
Fall Arts Walk
September 20, 5 - 8 p.m.
Downtown Thibodaux
Thibodaux Main St. invites the community to stroll the streets and visit the businesses of Historic Downtown Thibodaux while enjoying the talents of a variety of local artists set up along the sidewalks and storefronts. The Fall Arts Walk is free and open to the public.
Downtown Thibodaux
Fall Cleanup Day
September 21, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Downtown Thibodaux
Interested in helping your community?
Held biannually in the spring and fall, Clean Up Day in downtown Thibodaux is an opportunity for businesses, groups, families, and individuals of all ages to help beautify their hometown. Volunteers across Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish are invited to join Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. as they pick up litter, pull weeds, and spruce up downtown.
Hero Fest
September 20 - 22
Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center
Hero Fest 2024 is a dedicated event aimed at supporting the first responders of Terrebonne Parish. Attendees can enjoy a
range of attractions, including live music, food, rides, and a craft show, offering a weekend of fun for the entire family. The funds raised from Hero Fest will be used to fund scholarships for children of first responders, support for families of first responders in need, and more.
Little Shop of Horrors
September 21-22
Thibodaux High School
The talented students at THS present the Little Shop of Horrors on Saturday, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for all ages. LPSD Safety Protocols will be enforced: Clear bags, anyone under 9th grade must have an adult.
Vandebilt Catholic Terrier Tailgate
September 27, 6 - 10 p.m.
Brother Alfred Kolb Center
Mark your calendars for an exciting evening of fun, food, and philanthropy at the Vandebilt Catholic Terrier Tailgate! Attendees can look forward to a night filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, and a silent auction, all while supporting Vandebilt Catholic High School. Individual tickets are priced at $35, which includes food, beer, and wine. All guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Brunch Under the Oaks: A Cook-off to Benefit St. Matthew’s Episcopal School
September 28,10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
SMES Campus
Join the delightful fundraiser featuring a unique cook-off of delectable brunch foods. Teams of four are invited to compete in one of three categories: Sweet, Savory, or Both. Additionally, there will be a Drink category for beverages such as Bloody Marys and mimosas. A Kids in the Kitchen Zone will see cook-off teams composed of four children (7th grade and below) and one adult competing for awards in categories like Most Creative, Healthiest, Most Unique Ingredient, and more. The zone will also include short cooking demonstrations on fun family recipes, food and kitchen safety, and more. Don’t miss out on this delicious event! POV
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH:
Due to our amazing People’s Choice 2024 results, there was no Look Twice in August’s issue. Look for the answers to this month’s puzzle in October ’s issue!
