Pat Howard, Artist

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

All of my favorites from the show at the Gilbert’s Center

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

BIG NEWS! We're thrilled to announce that we've been selected as a recipient of the Amex Shop Small Grants Program!

Thanks to a $20,000 grant from American Express and Main Street America, we're putting that investment right here into Downtown Ruston with a full store refresh: updated displays, reorganized inventory, and improved signage and wayfinding to make your shopping experience even better.

Updates will be rolling out over the summer, so stay tuned!

05/18/2026

05/14/2026

The public has voted, and we are excited to officially announce the finalists for the 40th Annual Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Arts Awards.

For nearly 40 years, the Arts Awards have celebrated the artists, educators, organizations, businesses, volunteers, and advocates who shape the cultural landscape of Northeast Louisiana. This year’s finalists were selected through a region-wide public voting process, reflecting the voices and support of the communities they serve.

Please join us in congratulating the following finalists:

🎨 Arts Educator of the Year (K–12)
• Danny Mejia
• Jason Gray
• Joni Dollar
• Deana Revels
• Jeanne Patterson

🎓 Higher Education Arts Educator of the Year
• Claire Vangelisti
• Joey Slaughter
• Emily Ezell
• Brooke Cassady
• Megan Smith

🖌 Visual Artist of the Year
• Ashley Greer
• Natalie Sturgis
• Vitus Shell
• Stacy Medaries
• Krewe Creative

🎭 Performing Artist of the Year
• Emily Stogner
• Taylor Michiels
• Jackson Culp
• Moira O’Connor
• The John L. Brown Sr. Memorial Scholarship Band

🌟 Emerging Artist
• Kassie Greer
• Jari Richardson
• Chloë Alexander
• Jansyn Jenkins
• Daija Essien

✍️ Literary Artist of the Year
• John Brown
• Jamie Mayes
• Monique Shantay

🌍 Community Arts Impact Award
• Madge Ross
• Brandon Virgil Sr.
• Dr. Alicia Jones
• Cathy Airhart-Webb

🏢 BART Award (Business Art Award)
• Tommy’s Tees
• Creative Exchange
• KEDM
• Flying Tiger Brewery
• The Good Daze

🤝 Volunteer of the Year
• Eleanor Hatfield
• Taylor Michiels
• Jennifer Haynes
• Nirali Patel
• Patrik Pyburn

Award recipients will be announced during the 40th Annual Arts Awards celebration on:

Thursday, June 25, 2026
Strauss Theatre Center
Monroe, Louisiana

Limited tickets are available - call 318-397-6717 or email [email protected] to reserve yours, as seating is limited.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted nominations, participated in public voting, and continues to support the arts across Region 8.

The Arts Awards belong to this region - and this year, the region helped decide.