Happy New Year!
I’m sure that seems odd to hear in the middle of summer, but in the nonprofit world of the AcA, July 1st marks the official start of our new fiscal year. As a Virgo, a fresh calendar page always gets my mind racing with new possibilities. I’m energized by the fresh start even if I am looking at it with not-so-fresh eyes. Planning a new year ahead is always exciting, but my favorite part of this process is reflecting on the year before.
I have spent the last year studying, watching, and experiencing the impact of the arts across Acadiana. I’ve been a face in the crowd at a Thursday night performance. I’ve laughed with many of you over the signature cocktails at an Insiders’ Salon. For weeks I watched Dirk Guidry and his incredible team bring the Children’s Museum mural to life. I’ve connected with hundreds of new creators and art advocates, watched countless children light up after finding their artwork hanging on our gallery walls, and witnessed the intense, raw emotion that art brings to the people who visit our community every day – both good and bad. I see joy and pride, sadness and pain, contemplation and serenity, and all are welcome.
As I was planning for the upcoming year, these moments and feelings sat at the forefront of my mind, replaying in my head. And the best part? What I personally see and experience barely scratches the surface of what AcA does in our communities. Okay – more of that please!
The electric energy floating through Acadiana’s creative scene is a year-round phenomenon. I’m lucky enough to work alongside the best of the best – a team and community deeply invested in the advancement of the mission. I get to see this incredible impact in my everyday life and champion the people who make it all happen. If you think exciting things have been happening, I cannot wait for you to see what is to come.
And the truth is, you don’t need a “new year,” a “Monday morning,” or a “1st of the month” to reenergize you. Each new day holds the power of a fresh start. Reflect on your intentions and experiences, recommit to your goals, course-correct if necessary, and know that fresh starts can always happen if you have the willingness to continue to begin again.
I’m inviting you to embrace a fresh start alongside me. Make your next experience at the AcA something you haven’t done or seen before. Come in to see new exhibitions when the galleries change, buy a ticket to a show for an artist you haven’t heard of yet, invite your friends and family to experience a Second Saturday ArtWalk. You can even bring your laptop or sketchbook to our cafe for a quiet, productivity session accompanied by a latte or matcha.
Through these ventures, I hope that you feel a spark to join us in Downtown, one that invigorates your passion and support of the arts, and value how your part in AcA membership makes these things happen. There are so many ways to stay connected to the arts, and I hope you choose one as soon and as often as you can. See you all soon.
Xoxo,
Allison
