River Oaks Square Arts Center is excited to present its 11th Annual Dirty South Cup Call & Competition, opening on April 10 and running through May 25, 2025. This signature event, curated this year by guest juror Chris Pate, brings together over 100 exceptional ceramic cups created by artists from across the United States. Complementing the main exhibition, the "Friends of the Juror Show" will showcase pieces by Pate and fellow ceramicists, adding depth and variety to this nationally renowned event.
The Dirty South Cup Call was first conceived 11 years ago by River Oaks' Executive Director, Rachael Dauzat, along with Artistic Director, Aubrey Bolen. Inspired by a similar exhibition organized by friends Scot Lykens and Tom Richard at the University of Monticello in Arkansas, Dauzat and Bolen sought to create a unique event celebrating ceramic artistry in Central Louisiana. Over the years, this national competition has grown significantly, attracting artists from across the United States and becoming one of the most anticipated annual events at River Oaks.
Chris Pate, a Louisiana native and accomplished master, ceramicist, is celebrated for his atmospheric and wood-fired pottery. His journey with clay began at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and he has since traveled extensively, refining his craft and building ceramics communities from Oregon to Arizona. Now a resident artist at The Reitz Ranch Center for Ceramic Arts in Arizona, Pate brings a wealth of experience and an exceptional eye for innovation and craftsmanship to this year’s competition.
In conjunction with the exhibition, River Oaks will host a Ceramics Workshop as part of the GAEDA/CVB Education Series, led by Pate on April 11 and 12, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Participants will gain hands-on experience with clay, learn techniques for creating unique forms beyond traditional designs, and explore surface treatments, patterns, and atmospheric firing techniques.
“Each year, the Dirty South Cup Call continues to grow, drawing talented artists and eager audiences from all over the country,” says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. “Chris Pate’s reputation in the ceramics community, combined with the incredible talent showcased by our entrants, ensures this year's exhibition will be yet another remarkable celebration of ceramic arts.”
In addition to the cup competition, resident artist Chastity Sayer Smith will exhibit her powerful collection, "Facing the Phases," in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Her work visually narrates the emotional journeys we experience throughout life, connecting human emotion with natural imagery in deeply evocative ways. Smith describes the series as a "shared human experience," capturing moments that resonate universally.
The opening reception is scheduled for April 10, from 5-7 pm, with guest juror remarks and the awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm. The Dirty South Cup Call and concurrent exhibitions underscore River Oaks' dedication to high-caliber artistic events and its role as a cornerstone of Central Louisiana's cultural landscape.
Meanwhile, preparations for Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix at River Oaks are in full swing, scheduled for May 3, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This year’s fundraiser embraces a festive "Derby Days" theme, encouraging guests to don their best Kentucky Derby attire. Conveniently coinciding with AlexRiverFete, attendees can easily enjoy both events, sampling dishes and drinks crafted by teams of local chefs and mixologists.
Remember to bring cash, as winners are determined by tips collected in their jars. Tickets are available via Eventbrite beginning March 28 at $70 per person or $750 for a reserved table for 10.
Sponsors for this event include Louisiana Feed Your Soul, Explore Alexandria Pineville, CLECO, and Christus Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital. Co-sponsors feature The Diamond Grill Restaurant, The Hotel Bentley, Red River Bank, SAMS HVAC Services, Doug Young Nursery, Southern Heritage Bank, Mid State Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, Senator Jay Morris, Beverly & Gray Easterling, Lauren & Taylor Courville, Dr. & Mrs. James Parrish, Michelle & Chris Karam, Dallas Hixson Jr., Leetha & Lance Harris, and Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Renols. Event partners are Jack’s, Bayou Mosquito, and City of Alexandria.
Featured chef teams are:
David Broussard & Toby Wilkins - Team Pineapple Express
Ben St. Romain & Team Red River Bank
Randall Welch, Craig Littleton, Randy Ponthie & Micah Walker - Team Southern Heritage Bank
Grant Bartlett, Dr. Aaron McLemore & Dr. Patrick Redmond - Team Triple Crown Winners
Michael Dauzat & Wayne Lajaunie - Team Mirage Luxury Pools / Cajun In-Laws
Matthew Morgan & Jeffery Morse - Team Bentley Room Dining Restaurant
Kenny Washington, Mike Bordley & Stephen Brooks - Team Diamond Grill
Davey Jones, Carolyn Hines & Adam Huddleston - Team Jones Law Partners
Shane Lajaunie, Jamie Molinary & Josh Ogea - Team Resource Environmental Solutions
Tobias Wilhelm & Chad Ruiz -Team Captivate Minds
Dr. Jamie Rister, Brad Foster & Troy Mire - Team Green Hot Chili Peppers
Dr. Jonathan Hunter, Tom Spencer, Brad Drell & Dr. Ken Brown - Team Lagniappe Homecare
Chef Jonathan Drago, Chef Mike Johnson & Chef Miguel Guynn - Team The Culinary Jockeys / Christus Cabrini
Gerald Huffman, Paul Carpenter & Dallas Hixson Jr. - Team Lunch Beers
Justin Shiver, Ryan Riche, & Joe Shidiskis - Team Rapides Regional Medical Center Triple Crown Trio
Matt Mabou, Ryan Welch, Sylvian LeVasseur & Corley Ramos - Team Msquared
C.A. Shields, Michael McVey & Jared Gordon - Team Apollo’s Kitchen Kings
John David, Cameron Cherry, Shellie Yates & Rey Smith - Team “Fred Heads” - Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Charlie McCall, John Cosenza & Bubba Burns - Team Ben E. Keith Foods
Chaston Wood & Team Bayou Boilers
Josh Daigre, Robert Beck & Trey Decker - Team Cast Iron Crew
Shannon Smith & Brandon Smith - Team Hoof Hearted
Jim Villard & Ralph Covington
Greg Trotter, Sam Lacombe & Blake Velotta - Team Sizzling Stallions
Mark Pritchard & Zachary Luneau - Team Pritchard/Luneau - Edward Jones
Matt Stroderd, Josh Brown, Jonathan Reynolds & Luis Waite - Team TTA Server Stallions
For more information on the Dirty South Cup Call & Competition, Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, or to purchase tickets, please contact River Oaks at (318) 473-2670, visit RiverOaksArtsCenter.com, or follow River Oaks Arts Center on Facebook. Join us as we celebrate art, community, and culinary excellence in Central Louisiana.
