"Art on the Avenue" forwards artistic talent

Downtown Donaldsonville is once again thriving to bring more activities to the city.

The city is reinventing itself as a destination for cultural tourism. A driving force in this evolution, the city's "Art on the Avenue" program showcased the work of several local artists in several galleries with installations throughout the downtown area.

"We're working to raise the profile of the artist community to a level that it becomes a draw for people outside the area, as well as for locals," says Downtown Development manager John Rodgers. "We're fortunate to have a Chamber of Commerce and a City Council in Donaldsonville that recognize the strength and potential of the local arts community and support our efforts."

Art on the Avenue was visualized as a "personality study" telling the story of everyday life in a small town. All the art pieces told their own stories.

Art participants were artist Alvin Batiste, hosted by Nora's Bakery and Bistro, Terry Farell and Cetin Ate, hosted by Art Bank, Dennis Hargroder, hosted by Grapevine Café and Gallery, and Steven Schneider of Schneider Gallery.

Residents could enjoy an evening filled with art, wine and food, accompanied by music along Railroad Avenue. 

While some of the artists were busy selling their work, others took time out to explain their work to those of interest.