First Art Walk draws a crowd

The critique is in for Eunice’s first art walk: Total success.
“We are really impressed with the event,” said Hope Hebert of Lafayette, who attended with her husband David. “We had never been to Eunice before, and we really wanted to visit the town.”
“It’s a fabulous venue. It’s unbelievable. Well done.”
The Heberts, who were supporting featured artists Julie Breaux and Garnet Lemaire, were just a few of the estimated 300 people who turned out for the walk Saturday night down South Second Street. Works were displayed at the newly opened Eunice Community Art House and Niche Art Gallery and Studio, Damian Cuccio’s, Ruby’s Cafe and Cafe Mosiac. The event also featured light food, drink and live music.
Michele Richard, Niche Art Gallery and Studio owner and Art Walk architect, shared the Hebertss thoughts on the turnout.
“I think the event was awesome,” Richard said. “I am overwhelmed by the response. We tried to generate buzz about the event, but we never expected this many people to come out.”
“Many people said they felt like they weren’t even in Eunice. They felt like they were in some big city. I am awestruck.”
During the event, the art house and gallery showcased work from 45 artists, including 200 paintings, eight sculptures, 40 photographs and even some jewelry. Many of the artists are from the area, including several from Lafayette and a Eunice native who lives out of state. Several paintings and two sculptures were sold during the event.
“I’m on the Art Walk board, and we wanted to get together as artists,” said Eunice artist Shelley Savoy, who has a studio in town. “We were all thinking the same thing…Eunice needs another positive outlook on Second Street.”
“(Before) You had to drive to Lafayette for an art gallery. This will be great for Eunice.”
Savoy has painted for 20 years; 12 of her pieces were on display at the event.
“I mostly paint portraits and surrealism pieces with a little twist,” she added.
Artist Garnet Bernard Lemaire of Lafayette had three large figurative pieces as well as 20 other pieces of her work on display.
“I met Michele in August, and she invited me to participate in the event,” Lemaire said. “Art enriches the quality of life.”
Lemaire has painted for 12 years, and in addition to her figurative work, she also paints abstract pieces.
Richard is also a painter. After taking a long hiatus from her craft, she picked up her paintbrushes again, and the ideas for the gallery, art house and Art Walk began to take shape.
“I started painting again and reconnected with some of my artist friends,” Richard said. “We (she and husband Donnie) had already bought the building and then we decided to turn it into a gallery.”
“I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. This is my first big professional adventure.”
According to Richard, the concept behind the gallery is to only exhibit things temporarily. Roughly every three months, the pieces will be rotated, and an Art Walk will be hosted to debut the new works.
“I don’t want people to come in here and then six months later, see the same things,” she added.
The next walk will be some time in February 2015, and Richard would like to host a white linen attire walk in May.
“We want to try to keep things fresh and change it up a little bit by hosting other events,” Richard said. “I hope to expand the gallery to all types of artwork. We even have a few woodwork and knitted pieces right now.”
“If you create it, make it, we want to be able to showcase it.”
In addition to displaying local works, Richard is looking forward to the gallery and art house serving as a meeting place for the artsy members of the community, especially teenagers.
“I think a lot of people are lost,” she said. “They are eccentric and don’t have a place to hang out. Teenagers and groups of kids need to have a place to belong, a place where their work is valued and appreciated. I want the place to be laid back, a place to be who you want to be. That’s a big thing for me.”
“The teenagers have been so excited to help out for the art walk. It’s cool because they are our future, and they are already giving back to the community.”
While the next walk is still several months away, those looking for a chance to express their creativity can attend a free art lesson at Niche from 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Nov. 15 or attend free doodling sessions that will be hosted at 11 a.m. every Saturday beginning this week.
“We want to have constant activity here,” Richard added.
To keep up with art events, visit Eunice Community Art House and Niche Artist Gallery and Studio on Facebook or call 466-7114.