01 May 2024
River Oaks Continues to Celebrate 40 Years with a Vibrant Summer of Art
This summer, the River Oaks Square Arts Center 40th anniversary celebration continues while also showcasing the incredible talent it harbors – we present the Annual Summer Show featuring resident artists. Set against the backdrop of four decades of fostering inspiration, the exhibition themed "Celebrating 40 Years of Creativity" invites all resident artists to infuse the magic number '40' into their artworks. Whether it's through a painting dotted with 40 azalea blooms or a sculpture marked by 40 distinct textures, each piece promises to weave individual creativity with a shared milestone. The show promises to delve into a world where each artwork tells a story of time, memory, and artistic exploration.
"River Oaks has always been a sanctuary for creativity, where artists find both a voice and a community. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are reminded of the incredible journey and the myriad of stories that have unfolded within these walls," says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. ‘Celebrating 40 Years of Creativity' isn't just about reflecting on our past but is a vibrant declaration of the ongoing story of art and community here at River Oaks. We invite everyone to visit us for the Summer Show, experience the diverse expressions of our resident artists, and be inspired by the powerful dialogue between art and audience."
At the same time, Resident Artist Rhonda Reap-Curiel presents her solo exhibition, "Quite Naturally," where her creative prowess and delicate artistic touch highlight the understated drama of natural scenes. Showing in the Galerie des Amis, Rhonda's works urge viewers to observe and appreciate the silent narratives of their environment—from the gentleness of a flower petal to the fiery spectacle of a sunset. Her artist statement encapsulates her philosophy: "If we sit and enjoy the silence of our surroundings long enough, we can hear the beauty in them." This exhibition is a visual journey that encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Adjacent in the Stokes-Harris Gallery, Joy McDonald rounds out the exhibition lineup with her vibrant exhibition titled "A McJoyful Experience." Joy McDonald’s journey into art began in 2016, when she rekindled her lifelong passion for creating vibrant and joyous works. Known for her playful "little LOLs," whimsical characters that bring laughter to any setting, her art reimagines famous scenes with a cheerful twist. Whether transforming "The Scream" into "The Laugh" or brightening "The Girl with the Pearl Earring," McDonald’s creations aim to spread happiness, living up to her apt name, Joy.
Together, these exhibitions underscore the diverse range of artistic expressions at River Oaks and celebrate the enduring legacy and vibrant future of the arts center. As River Oaks continues to be a pivotal space for artists and art lovers, it invites everyone to partake in these celebrations, exploring the unique interpretations of creativity showcased by its talented community.
All three exhibitions will be featured in River Oaks’ Studio Annex Building and will run from June 6 - August 3, 2024. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 6th from 5-7 pm. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibitions are sponsored by GAEDA, The Hotel Bentley, Red River Bank & O’Quin Financial Group.
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As this article goes to press, we are days away from the Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix at River Oaks fundraiser. By the time you read this, the event will have concluded, undoubtedly celebrated with lots of food and drinks. We would be amiss to not recognize the dedication of the chefs and volunteers whose tireless efforts ensure its success each year. A special shout out to all the participating chefs who bring this event to life - they were:
David Broussard & Toby Wilkins - TEAM PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
Randall Welch, Craig Littleton, Randy Ponthie & Micah Walker - TEAM Southern Heritage Bank
Grant Bartlett, Dr. Aaron McLemore, Dr. Patrick Redmond & Brandon Andrus - TEAM LET THE WOOKIES WIN
Mike Green, Henry Martin & Daniel McGuffee - TEAM RED RIVER BANK
William Weaver, Rocco Guirlando & Tim Cahill - TEAM CLECO
Jacob Hebert, Michael Guillory & Lynn Aymond - TEAM CLASH/CHRISTUS CENTRAL LA SURGICAL HOSPITAL
Chef Jonathan Drago, Chef Mike Johnson & Chef Miguel Guynn - TEAM THE CHEFALORIANS/CHRISTUS CABRINI HOSPITAL
Scott Netherland, Matt Laborde, Heath Grimes & Taylor Courville - TEAM WAFFLES & POULTRY
Dr. Daniel Renois, Dallas Hixson, Jerry Patton & Robert Kinberger - TEAM DARKSIDE DISTILLERS
Toby Moreno, Katy Pruitt, Nikki Lovern, Sarah Ray & Laura Monroe - TEAM SIMPLY SOUTHERN CATERING & CAFE
Paul Carpenter, Gerald Huffman & Rob Antoon - TEAM SYZMIC
Davey Jones, Carolyn Hines & Adam Huddleston - TEAM JONES LAW PARTNERS
Dan Fontenot, Tyler Burns & Rodney Riche - TEAM PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP
Michael Dauzat & Lance Dauzat - TEAM MIRAGE LUXURY POOLS & EAGLE EYE SECURITY
Brett Butler, Kenny Washington & Kyle Prothero - TEAM DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH (THE DIAMOND GRILL)
Shane Lajaunie & Jay Molinary - TEAM RES
Chef Matthew D. Morgan & Jeffery Morse - TEAM BENTLEY ROOM DINING RESTAURANT
Tobias Wilhelm & Chad Ruiz - TEAM CAPTIVATE MINDS
Nolan Spillers - TEAM BOOTLEGGERS/FIRST GUARANTY BANK
Bradley Drell, Tom Spencer, Robbie DiBennedetto & Jerry Havens - TEAM ALL HANS ON DECK
Dr. Michael Leddy, III & Chad Jameson - TEAM THE SCRUFFY-LOOKINGNERF HERDERS
Dr. Jamie Rister, Brad Foster & Troy Mire - TEAM GREEN HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Taylor Moore, Marcus Walker & Caleb Stark - TEAM BRISKET BROS
Gerard Abair Jr., Gerard Abair Sr., & Xavier Abair - TEAM THE CREOLE COCKPIT
Justin Shiver, Ryan Riche & Joe Shidiskis - TEAM THE DARTH BAKERS/RAPIDES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Jack Doggett, Ricky Tompkins & John Walker - TEAM SITH HAPPENS
Matt Mabou, Ryan Welch, Sylvian LeVasseur & Coley Ramos - TEAM MSQUARED ENTERTAINMENT
Shane Lemoine & Murray Ponthier - TEAM TUNICA-BILOXI INDUSTRIES, LLC
What we appreciate most is you, the community, for your continued support - we couldn’t have done 40 Years without you!
For more information on current exhibitions, call River Oaks a 473-2670, visit RiverOaksArtsCenter.com or find us on Facebook.