Finding her 'Niche' with Second Street studio-gallery

She found her niche...and thus her art studio will be named “Niche Artists Gallery & Studio.”
Michele Richard of Eunice is currently making plans and preparations to open the former Joe Veillon Insurance building located on S. Second Street across from the Eunice Karate Academy as an art studio and gallery along with an adjoining non-profit business, “Eunice Community Art House.”
The target date of opening? October, said Richard.
She said, “My husband, Donnie, encouraged me to open my own art studio and gallery. He purchased the building in hopes that locals and area artists will enjoy.
“There have been plenty of artists talking among themselves that there is a need in town for this type of business.”
Eunice Community Art House will be operated by a board that will oversee the studio which “will focus on two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, displayed and created from local artists, designed for beginners to professional artists.”
A small percentage of sales of their works will go to operating the studio.
Eunice Community Art House will be operated by an elected group of board members with Michelle Reed of Eunice serving as president.
Eight board members will work along side her. They include: Vice President Amelia Vidrine, Secretary Shelly Savoy, Treasurer Michele Richard and Art Coordinators Michele Richard and Haidee DeRouen. Members at Large Dr. Jay Miller, Vivian Broussard, and Jerica Guillory.
Board President Reed is an artist herself. She obtained a BA and MA in Art, and has painted oils all her adult life.
Michele Richard has been intrigued with art since a young girl.
She said, “When growing up in New Orleans my mother took me to the French Quarter and we watched artists. I was so amazed with all their drawings and paintings. I started “doodling” and painting.
Richard studied Art some 15 years ago at USL but did not finish and obtain an Art degree.
With a laugh, she said, “I had to stop, to raise a family of 9 children!”
Donnie, an attorney, and Michele are parents of 7 boys and 2 girls, the oldest Christian, 21, and the youngest Frank, 2.
Now, Richard feels she has more free time, and plans to pursue her “dream”. She plans to return to UL Lafayette as a senior this fall and obtain her degree in Fine Arts.
Richard says she paints it “all.” She especially enjoys acrylic and oil painting. “My favorites are painting portraits and people,”
Niche Artists Gallery & Studio will be designed for the “more-seasoned artists and guest artists,” said Richard.
There will be three studio space rentals available. She said, “I want the gallery to be interactive .. whereas people can walk inside and get a feel and sense of the artist and how each piece is created. I want it to become a sense and look of an almost your- “backstage artist,”
The art studio will also include a general workshop space. “I will also have available space for art lessons and workshops,”
A Grand Opening is part of Richard’s plan too. The two “Michele, Michelles” are making plans to have a Grand Opening on Nov. 8 in conjunction of Eunice’s annual Noel on the Prairie.
The Grand Opening, or the “Art Walk”, will include both galleries, scheduled from 7- 9 p.m. and the public is invited.
Richard says other local downtown businesses are showing an interest to join in. “We plan to have music venues, refreshments...along with some businesses expressing an interest- Cafe Mosaic, Cuccio’s, and Ruby’s.”
Richard encourages the public to become a part of the Eunice Community Art House.
She added, “We are currently seeking patrons and members to the Eunice Community Art House and anyone interested in joining can leave a message on our Facebook page or email me (michelerichard@charter.net, Facebook: MicheleRichard Artist.