Fall 2023
The Martin Payton exhibition, which opened on September 7, 2023, provided a platform for thoughtful and sophisticated art, drawing 2,685 visitors to engage with Payton’s work. On November 11, Payton’s artist talk, “Knowledge from an Elder,” allowed audiences to explore his journey as a teacher at Historically Black Colleges and his collaborations with luminaries such as John T. Scott. Payton’s reflections on his contributions as an artist and educator were a testament to the power of art as a medium for knowledge and heritage-sharing in Acadiana.
This is just one example of more than 20 exhibitions of Louisiana artists featured in AcA’s galleries this past year.
Photo by Paul Kieu, September 7, 2023
The Martin Payton exhibition, which opened on September 7, 2023, provided a platform for thoughtful and sophisticated art, drawing 2,685 visitors to engage with Payton’s work. On November 11, Payton’s artist talk, “Knowledge from an Elder,” allowed audiences to explore his journey as a teacher at Historically Black Colleges and his collaborations with luminaries such as John T. Scott. Payton’s reflections on his contributions as an artist and educator were a testament to the power of art as a medium for knowledge and heritage-sharing in Acadiana.
This is just one example of more than 20 exhibitions of Louisiana artists featured in AcA’s galleries this past year.
Photo by Paul Kieu, September 7, 2023
On September 20, 2023, the AcA announced the Let Culture Lead initiative, an $18 million campaign to establish a world-class museum celebrating Louisiana’s musical legacy and expand the AcA’s Arts in Education program across Acadiana. The gathering featured remarks from Missy Bienvenu Andrade on the transformative collaboration with the Community Foundation of Acadiana to deepen the regional impact of the arts.
The Let Culture Lead initiative is the AcA’s implementation plan for major expansions of its work in education, placemaking and much more. Read more at https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/let-culture-lead
Photo by Kayla Martin, September 20, 2023
On September 20, 2023, the AcA announced the Let Culture Lead initiative, an $18 million campaign to establish a world-class museum celebrating Louisiana’s musical legacy and expand the AcA’s Arts in Education program across Acadiana. The gathering featured remarks from Missy Bienvenu Andrade on the transformative collaboration with the Community Foundation of Acadiana to deepen the regional impact of the arts.
The Let Culture Lead initiative is the AcA’s implementation plan for major expansions of its work in education, placemaking and much more. Read more at https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/let-culture-lead
Photo by Kayla Martin, September 20, 2023
Photo by Paul Kieu, October 12, 2023
Celebrated jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant performed on October 12, 2023, as part of the AcA’s AllStars Series. Salvant’s performance highlighted the world-class talent AcA brings to Acadiana, creating opportunities for the local community to experience world-renowned musicianship. Salvant’s influence as a Grammy-nominated artist added to the cultural richness of Acadiana’s jazz heritage.
Salvant’s performance was one of six concerts in this year’s AllStars series, featuring major touring artists from around the world.
Celebrated jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant performed on October 12, 2023, as part of the AcA’s AllStars Series. Salvant’s performance highlighted the world-class talent AcA brings to Acadiana, creating opportunities for the local community to experience world-renowned musicianship. Salvant’s influence as a Grammy-nominated artist added to the cultural richness of Acadiana’s jazz heritage.
Salvant’s performance was one of six concerts in this year’s AllStars series, featuring major touring artists from around the world.
Photo by Paul Kieu, October 12, 2023
On October 16, 2023, AcA collaborated with Alice Boucher Elementary students and Northside leaders to paint a vibrant crosswalk, celebrating two decades of AcA’s commitment to supporting schools on Lafayette’s Northside. This project underscores AcA’s dedication to creating a thriving arts environment and fostering pride and engagement in the community’s youth.
This project is one example of more than 12,266 in school arts activities experienced by students across 86 schools in Lafayette Parish, Vermilion Parish, and St. Landry Parishes this school year alone.
October 16, 2023
On October 16, 2023, AcA collaborated with Alice Boucher Elementary students and Northside leaders to paint a vibrant crosswalk, celebrating two decades of AcA’s commitment to supporting schools on Lafayette’s Northside. This project underscores AcA’s dedication to creating a thriving arts environment and fostering pride and engagement in the community’s youth.
This project is one example of more than 12,266 in school arts activities experienced by students across 86 schools in Lafayette Parish, Vermilion Parish, and St. Landry Parishes this school year alone.
October 16, 2023
November 2, 2023
Lafayette’s premier performing arts venue, the AcA, hosted Nebu on November 2, 2023, for a sold-out show, demonstrating the success of the NXT Series in elevating emerging talents. This series is designed to attract and support dynamic artists who contribute to the cultural fabric of Acadiana.
Nebu was one of four local artists chosen for a residency and performance as part of this year’s NXT series, which supports emerging artists.
Lafayette’s premier performing arts venue, the AcA, hosted Nebu on November 2, 2023, for a sold-out show, demonstrating the success of the NXT Series in elevating emerging talents. This series is designed to attract and support dynamic artists who contribute to the cultural fabric of Acadiana.
Nebu was one of four local artists chosen for a residency and performance as part of this year’s NXT series, which supports emerging artists.
November 2, 2023
November 30, 2023
The Creole Nutcracker was staged at the Heymann Center on November 30, 2023, marking the first performance of this production in the space. With the support of Leigha Porter, AcA provided 2,000 fifth-grade students from across Acadiana with an immersive arts experience, fostering cultural appreciation from an early age.
The Creole Nutcracker was one of NINETY ONE performances held and ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY museum tours conducted for over 25,000 preK-8th grade students this year as part of the Arts Experiences for All program with Lafayette Parish School System.
The Creole Nutcracker was staged at the Heymann Center on November 30, 2023, marking the first performance of this production in the space. With the support of Leigha Porter, AcA provided 2,000 fifth-grade students from across Acadiana with an immersive arts experience, fostering cultural appreciation from an early age.
The Creole Nutcracker was one of NINETY ONE performances held and ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY museum tours conducted for over 25,000 preK-8th grade students this year as part of the Arts Experiences for All program with Lafayette Parish School System.
November 30, 2023
Winter 2023
The December 2, 2023 Pelican Ball honored Vicki Chrisman, Dan Hare, Daynese & Randy Haynie, and Dr. Gerd Wuersterman, alongside the introduction of a new Pelican on Parade sculpture by Cayla Zeek. The event raised funds for community arts projects, such as refurbishing the L. Leo Judice Elementary Pelican sculpture by artist John Zant, emphasizing AcA’s role in revitalizing local art.
This event was just one of more than two dozen events for members and patrons of the AcA that build and celebrate the power of the creative community in Acadiana.
Photo by Paul Kieu, December 2, 2023
The December 2, 2023 Pelican Ball honored Vicki Chrisman, Dan Hare, Daynese & Randy Haynie, and Dr. Gerd Wuersterman, alongside the introduction of a new Pelican on Parade sculpture by Cayla Zeek. The event raised funds for community arts projects, such as refurbishing the L. Leo Judice Elementary Pelican sculpture by artist John Zant, emphasizing AcA’s role in revitalizing local art.
This event was just one of more than two dozen events for members and patrons of the AcA that build and celebrate the power of the creative community in Acadiana.
Photo by Paul Kieu, December 2, 2023
Photo by Philip Gould, February 2, 2024
On February 1, 2024, iconic Cajun roots band BeauSoleil celebrated their 50th anniversary at AcA. With host Herman Fuselier, the performance celebrated the impact of BeauSoleil on Cajun music and culture, sharing a rich musical heritage with a packed audience and reinforcing AcA’s role as a cultural preserver.
This performance was one of six shows in this year’s Louisiana Crossroads series, which has showcased more than 200 Louisiana artists since its founding in 2000.
On February 1st & 2nd, 2024, iconic Cajun roots band BeauSoleil celebrated their 50th anniversary at AcA. With host Herman Fuselier, the performance celebrated the impact of BeauSoleil on Cajun music and culture, sharing a rich musical heritage with a packed audience and reinforcing AcA’s role as a cultural preserver.
This performance was one of six shows in this year’s Louisiana Crossroads series, which has showcased more than 200 Louisiana artists since its founding in 2000.
Photo by Philip Gould, February 2, 2024
The “In Media Res” exhibition, featuring works inspired by Louisiana poet laureate Darrell Bourque’s poetry, opened on February 7, 2024. With 10,500 visitors and 97 tours, this exhibition provided 5th-grade students in Lafayette Parish with hands-on creative workshops, demonstrating the deep cultural and educational impact of the AcA’s programs. Featured artists included Megan Barra, Karen Bourque, Leroy Evans, Gloria Fiero, Meghan Fleming, Lynda Frese, John Geldersma, Bill Gingles, Danny Girouard, Terry Clay Girouard, Philip Gould, Kelly Guidry, John Hathorn, James Hebert, William Lewis, Elemore Morgan Jr., Nicole Bourque-Reiss, Gabrielle Savoy, Tanya Nehrbass Schultze, Will Turley, Russell Whiting, & Dennis Paul Williams.
This exhibition was one of four group shows, featuring a wide variety of Louisiana artists whose work intersects around a particular theme or idea.
Photo by Kayla Martin, February 7, 2024
The “In Media Res” exhibition, featuring works inspired by Louisiana poet laureate Darrell Bourque’s poetry, opened on February 7, 2024. With 10,500 visitors and 97 tours, this exhibition provided 5th-grade students in Lafayette Parish with hands-on creative workshops, demonstrating the deep cultural and educational impact of the AcA’s programs. Featured artists included Megan Barra, Karen Bourque, Leroy Evans, Gloria Fiero, Meghan Fleming, Lynda Frese, John Geldersma, Bill Gingles, Danny Girouard, Terry Clay Girouard, Philip Gould, Kelly Guidry, John Hathorn, James Hebert, William Lewis, Elemore Morgan Jr., Nicole Bourque-Reiss, Gabrielle Savoy, Tanya Nehrbass Schultze, Will Turley, Russell Whiting, & Dennis Paul Williams.
This exhibition was one of four group shows, featuring a wide variety of Louisiana artists whose work intersects around a particular theme or idea.
Photo by Kayla Martin, February 7, 2024
Photo by James Wilson, February 2, 2024
In 2024, ArtSpark expanded with additional support from LEDA and the NEA, distributing $50,000 to Acadiana’s artists and creative entrepreneurs for project-based and professional development opportunities. Awardees included Martha Garner, Nhi Ngo, and Anne Bujold, among others, all of whom contributed to building a vibrant creative economy in Acadiana.
ArtSpark is one of seven grantmaking programs that invested more than $250,000 in Acadiana creatives and cultural organizations.
In 2024, ArtSpark expanded with additional support from LEDA and the NEA, distributing $50,000 to Acadiana’s artists and creative entrepreneurs for project-based and professional development opportunities. Awardees included Martha Garner, Nhi Ngo, and Anne Bujold, among others, all of whom contributed to building a vibrant creative economy in Acadiana.
ArtSpark is one of seven grantmaking programs that invested more than $250,000 in Acadiana creatives and cultural organizations.
Photo by James Wilson, February 2, 2024
Spring 2024
On April 7, 2024, the second annual Sunny Side Jazz Brunch at Kip and Carolyn Schumacher’s home featured the Preservation Hall All Stars and a live auction supporting AcA’s performing arts and education programs. This event was essential in expanding AcA’s impact on rural and underserved communities within the region.
This event was one of three major fundraising events that offered the community various opportunities to support the wide-spanning work of the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
Photo by Leslie Westbrook, April 7, 2024
On April 7, 2024, the second annual Sunny Side Jazz Brunch at Kip and Carolyn Schumacher’s home featured the Preservation Hall All Stars and a live auction supporting AcA’s performing arts and education programs. This event was essential in expanding AcA’s impact on rural and underserved communities within the region.
This event was one of three major fundraising events that offered the community various opportunities to support the wide-spanning work of the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
Photo by Leslie Westbrook, April 7, 2024
Returning from Nashville, Lafayette natives Johnny and Stevie Rees led ARBO to a sold-out audience on April 11, 2024. This performance symbolized the ascent of local musicians in the competitive roots and country music scene and reinforced the AcA’s commitment to promoting Acadiana’s emerging talents.
This performance was one of six shows in this year’s Louisiana Crossroads series, which has showcased more than 200 Louisiana artists since its founding in 2000.
Photo by James C. French, April 11, 2024
Returning from Nashville, Lafayette natives Johnny and Stevie Rees led ARBO to a sold-out audience on April 11, 2024. This performance symbolized the ascent of local musicians in the competitive roots and country music scene and reinforced the AcA’s commitment to promoting Acadiana’s emerging talents.
This performance was one of six shows in this year’s Louisiana Crossroads series, which has showcased more than 200 Louisiana artists since its founding in 2000.
Photo by James C. French, April 11, 2024
Photo by Paul Kieu, April 13, 2024
On April 13, 2024, over 6,000 families attended the Student Arts Expo in Downtown Lafayette, showcasing the work of over 1,000 students from across the parish. This annual event highlights AcA’s dedication to arts education, serving more than 40,000 students and 2,400 teachers through impactful programming that celebrates the creativity of Acadiana’s youth.
This was one of two public festivals produced by the AcA this year that raised awareness of the breadth and diversity of arts education available in our public schools through AcA’s partnership, impacting more than 40,000 students and 2,400 teachers.
On April 13, 2024, over 6,000 families attended the Student Arts Expo in Downtown Lafayette, showcasing the work of over 1,000 students from across the parish. This annual event highlights AcA’s dedication to arts education, serving more than 40,000 students and 2,400 teachers through impactful programming that celebrates the creativity of Acadiana’s youth.
This was one of two public festivals produced by the AcA this year that raised awareness of the breadth and diversity of arts education available in our public schools through AcA’s partnership, impacting more than 40,000 students and 2,400 teachers.
Photo by Paul Kieu, April 13, 2024
On April 23, AcA’s quarterly gallery night coincided with the inaugural Big Towns conference, which AcA hosted in partnership with The Current, a local new nonprofit. The conference brought innovators from across the country to Lafayette to share ideas about building vibrant communities. Joined by University of Louisiana at Lafayette Graduate School & the 705 young professionals organization, the AcA’s quarterly Insiders’ Salon is a fun night of conversation and exploration, surrounded by the arts that helps to connect younger professionals with the arts as a space for community cohesion and vibrancy.
This event was one of six evenings in the galleries that recognized AcA’s supporters of the visual arts and offered an intimate and entertaining view of new exhibitions.
Photo by Jo Vidrine, April 23, 2024
On April 23, AcA’s quarterly gallery night coincided with the inaugural Big Towns conference, which AcA hosted in partnership with The Current, a local new nonprofit. The conference brought innovators from across the country to Lafayette to share ideas about building vibrant communities. Joined by University of Louisiana at Lafayette Graduate School & the 705 young professionals organization, the AcA’s quarterly Insiders’ Salon is a fun night of conversation and exploration, surrounded by the arts that helps to connect younger professionals with the arts as a space for community cohesion and vibrancy.
This event was one of six evenings in the galleries that recognized AcA’s supporters of the visual arts and offered an intimate and entertaining view of new exhibitions.
Photo by Jo Vidrine, April 23, 2024
May 12, 2024
The May 12, 2024 panel discussion, titled “How We Value Artists in Acadiana,” featured keynote speaker Mandi Mitchell, CEO of LEDA, and was moderated by Clare Cook of Basin Arts. This event explored the contributions of local artists to the regional economy and emphasized AcA’s role in supporting Acadiana’s cultural workforce.
This panel was one of fourteen workshops and public programs in the Creative Acadiana series, which offers professional development, networking, and small-business support to local artists.
The May 12, 2024 panel discussion, titled “How We Value Artists in Acadiana,” featured keynote speaker Mandi Mitchell, CEO of LEDA, and was moderated by Clare Cook of Basin Arts. This event explored the contributions of local artists to the regional economy and emphasized AcA’s role in supporting Acadiana’s cultural workforce.
This panel was one of fourteen workshops and public programs in the Creative Acadiana series, which offers professional development, networking, and small-business support to local artists.
May 12, 2024
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
For a third consecutive year, AcA expanded its summer camps to serve youth in foster care, unhoused, and migrant families. Partnering with Lafayette Parish School System, the program addressed social and emotional development, areas where arts education provides essential support for children facing significant life challenges.
This was one of 30 summer arts camps held this year, offering a wide range of extracurricular, creative outlets for more than 450 young people in our community.
For a third consecutive year, AcA expanded its summer camps to serve youth in foster care, unhoused, and migrant families. Partnering with Lafayette Parish School System, the program addressed social and emotional development, areas where arts education provides essential support for children facing significant life challenges.
This was one of 30 summer arts camps held this year, offering a wide range of extracurricular, creative outlets for more than 450 young people in our community.
Summer 2024
The May 26, 2024 memorial for musician Dege Legg celebrated his contributions to Acadiana’s music and arts scene. AcA hosted performances from three of Legg’s bands, with funds raised supporting a mural in his memory, honoring his legacy and dedication to Acadiana’s cultural growth.
A special concert, this event and exhibition is one example of AcA’s “gatherings of the tribe” which offer space for the community to grieve an artist who had passed.
Photo by Travis Gauthier, May 26, 2024
The May 26, 2024 memorial for musician Dege Legg celebrated his contributions to Acadiana’s music and arts scene. AcA hosted performances from three of Legg’s bands, with funds raised supporting a mural in his memory, honoring his legacy and dedication to Acadiana’s cultural growth.
A special concert, this event and exhibition is one example of AcA’s “gatherings of the tribe” which offer space for the community to grieve an artist who had passed.
Photo by Travis Gauthier, May 26, 2024
Photo by Paul Kieu, June 6, 2024
From writers Caroline Helm Huval and Dr. Bonny McDonald and directed by Christy Leichty, Ms. Warbucks was a musical adapted from Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie cartoon and premiered at AcA on June 6, 2024. The musical featured songs by Johanna Divine and Chas Justus and a cast of local actors portraying the “old folks” of the nursing home where Annie’s former orphanage director now resides. The production brought together local actors and creative talent, selling out all four performances, and furthering AcA’s reputation as Acadiana’s leading performance venue.
Ms. Warbucks was one of four productions this year in the Spotlight Theatre and Dance series, which features both local professional productions and national touring companies in the performing arts.
From writers Caroline Helm Huval and Dr. Bonny McDonald and directed by Christy Leichty, Ms. Warbucks was a musical adapted from Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie cartoon and premiered at AcA on June 6, 2024. The musical featured songs by Johanna Divine and Chas Justus and a cast of local actors portraying the “old folks” of the nursing home where Annie’s former orphanage director now resides. The production brought together local actors and creative talent, selling out all four performances, and furthering AcA’s reputation as Acadiana’s leading performance venue.
Ms. Warbucks was one of four productions this year in the Spotlight Theatre and Dance series, which features both local professional productions and national touring companies in the performing arts.
Photo by Paul Kieu, June 6, 2024
Opening June 12, 2024, the “Ceramics Now” exhibition showcased both contemporary and traditional pottery, exploring the vast diversity of ceramics in Acadiana. This exhibition, along with others throughout the year, reinforced the AcA’s commitment to celebrating the unique artistic voices within the community.
Ceramics Now was the latest annual “open call” exhibition, open to any Acadaina artist working in the artform, juried by a panel of their peers.
Photo by Paul Kieu, June 12, 2024
Opening June 12, 2024, the “Ceramics Now” exhibition showcased both contemporary and traditional pottery, exploring the vast diversity of ceramics in Acadiana. This exhibition, along with others throughout the year, reinforced the AcA’s commitment to celebrating the unique artistic voices within the community.
Ceramics Now was the latest annual “open call” exhibition, open to any Acadaina artist working in the artform, juried by a panel of their peers.
Photo by Paul Kieu, June 12, 2024
Acknowledgements
Through these diverse programs and events, the AcA has continued to support and cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem, fostering cultural pride, economic growth, and educational enrichment throughout Acadiana.
This work is led every day by the talented and driven team of professionals that serve the community through their work at the AcA.
None of this incredible impact would be possible without the leadership of AcA’s Board of Directors and the support of its membership.
Through these diverse programs and events, the AcA has continued to support and cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem, fostering cultural pride, economic growth, and educational enrichment throughout Acadiana. This work is led every day by the talented and driven team of professionals that serve the community through their work at the AcA. None of this incredible impact would be possible without the leadership of AcA’s Board of Directors and the support of its membership.
Front of House Team
Ana Huval, Guest Services Associate
Audrey de Mahy, General Manager
Christine Langlois, Barista
Christopher Isaac, Guest Services Associate
Eliza Hinrichs, Front of House Coordinator
Hope Simpson, Guest Services Associate
Kay Blanchard, Café and Bar Manager
Kylie Foster, Barista
Marketing and Fundraising Team
Allison Doucet, Development Manager
Brewster Durbin, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Corinne Sprague, Development Director
Mandy McGee, Creative Designer & Marketing Coordinator
Rachel Adams Marketing Manager
Operations Team
Connie Petro, Office Manager
Kayla Guidry, Facilities Manager
Kent Altman, Production Assistant
Tim Benoit, Facilities Coordinator
Vicki Chrisman, Bookkeeper
Programs Team
Anna Kojevnikov, Community Development Manager
Brandon Motz, Performing Arts Director
Bree Sargent, Education Director
Catherine Bricelj, Education Manager
David Boudreaux, Studio Program Manager
Emma Sonnier, Visual Arts Assistant
Erin Gray, Education Coordinator
Gwen Richard, Community Development Director
Jaik Faulk, Visual Arts Director
Jane Vidrine, Louisiana Music Museum Director
Zyria Guillory, Performing Arts Coordinator
Executive Team
Samuel Oliver, Executive Director
Fawn Hernandez, Deputy Director
Lex R. Thomas, Executive Assistant
Executive Committee
Taylor Davis
Sarah Gauthier
Ronnie Daigle, MD
Tracy Frentz
Mike Munzing
Aleisha Johnson Cook
Ethan Jordan
Board of Directors
Jess Allain
Jamie Baldridge
Chuck Boudreaux
Robbie Bush
Karen deClouet
Jon Downs, PhD
Jessica Foreman
Erica Fox
Kiki Frayard
Nanette Heggie
Brandon Journet
Adrian King
Daphne Krampe
Burnell Lemoine
Melissa Maeker
Hannah Smith Mason
Forrest Montgomery
Jerome Moroux
Carly Myers
Lucy Osborn, PhD
Carolyn Doerle Schumacher
Larry Simon, MD
Olatunde Soyombo
Members Emeritus
Ed C. Abell
Janet Begnaud
William Dan Hare
Mary B. Neiheisel Ed. D.