River Oaks Membership Drive in Full Swing - Summer Arts Studio Early Enrollment Starts in March

River Oaks Square Arts Center is starting 2025 strong with its highly anticipated annual membership drive already underway. As the center enters another vibrant year, becoming a member offers an opportunity to support and deeply engage with the local arts community. Membership contributions play a crucial role in funding numerous programs, exhibitions, community outreach projects, and educational opportunities that make River Oaks a regional hub of creativity and artistic expression.

"Exhibitions certainly stand as the most visible part of our mission," says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. "However, membership contributions support much more than exhibitions. They provide vital resources that enable us to maintain outreach programs, educational workshops, community events, and continue showcasing high-caliber artists that would typically be accessible only in larger metropolitan areas. We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our community, whose dedication has sustained River Oaks for over four decades."

The extensive 2025 exhibition calendar, featuring prominent local and national artists, can now be found on posters all over Central Louisiana. Members and past supporters can expect to find their complete exhibition calendar in their mailboxes soon, helping them plan their visits and engagements with the Arts Center for the year.

In addition to its exhibition lineup, River Oaks is preparing for the Annual Summer Arts Studio, Central Louisiana's largest and longest-running visual arts summer camp. Registration opens on March 19 for members, and April 2 for non-members. The 2025 Summer Arts Studio invites participants on an exciting journey around the globe to discover the rich artistic cultures of the seven continents. Each of the seven weeks will focus on a different continent, immersing students in diverse artistic traditions, from the vibrant colors of Aboriginal art to the intricate details found in Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.

Students will also explore techniques used in Chinese ceramics and paintings, the elegant simplicity of Japanese screens and woodblock prints, and the historical significance of Indian and Persian miniature paintings. Under the guidance of professional artists, these themed sessions promise a well-rounded artistic experience, fostering creative exploration, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

All registrations will be processed through the HISawyer platform. Those interested in early registration should ensure their membership is active through the River Oaks member portal. Links for member registration will go live at 10 am (Central) on March 19. To become a member and secure your early registration spot, visit the HISawyer member portal:

https://www.hisawyer.com/river-oaks-square-arts-center/schedules/membership-plans.

River Oaks invites both returning and new families to join this immersive summer experience, nurturing young artists as they unleash their creativity and build lasting connections through art.

Preparations are also underway for one of River Oaks' signature annual events, the 11th Annual Dirty South Cup Call & Competition. Opening on April 10 and running through May 25, this national competition promises to attract attention from ceramicists and pottery enthusiasts from across the United States. Guest Juror Chris Pate, a distinguished ceramic artist known for his atmospheric and wood-fired ceramics, will lead the exhibition. His expertise, coupled with his passion for community and clay, ensures this year's competition will continue to captivate both artists and visitors alike.

With lots of excitement planned for the entire year, membership has more perks than ever - River Oaks invites both returning and new members to join the community and share in the excitement, growth, and celebration of the arts in Central Louisiana. For information on membership, upcoming events, or to register for the Summer Arts Studio, please contact River Oaks at (318) 473-2670, visit RiverOaksArtsCenter.com, or find us on Facebook at River Oaks Arts Center.