‘I Want To Put The Arts Back In Education’
I have spent over four decades advocating and promoting the arts in my community, parish and state. Many times, I not only provided the instruction and the supplies, but also documented the successes experienced by the children that the system failed to rescue.
In my many years as a volunteer, I always advocated for children. As a child of trauma, I understood how the arts are used to heal and reclaim the life we all deserve. When I opened The Children’s Center, the first afterschool enrichment center in Minden in 1986, I knew it would change my life. I l left my marketing job. I researched how I could better serve the needs of the children. I knew instinctively that this was a huge undertaking and that I was ready and willing. With a five year old now, this would become my dream job.
In the years that would follow, I saw myself grow and heal. They healed me while I was nurturing them. We grew together in love and understanding. It was the most profound thing I have done in my life,
My advocacy for kids earned me the distinguished honor of being recognized by the Governor with the ‘ Governors Award for Promotion of the Arts in the State of Louisiana. `
After opening The Children’s Center, I quickly realized that the kids were creating amazing art and there was no place to show it off. I then with the help of Zenobia West, we co founded Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc, the first official arts agency and non profit for Webster Parish. This distinction allowed me to seek the financial assistance of the Webster Parish Police Jury. And these amazing jurors saw the potential and awarded us the financial support that created The Farm of Cultural Crossroads of Minden. I will be forever grateful to them for their vision and support.
The Spring Arts Festival was born out of a need to showcase the art of not only The Children’s Center but all children in the Parish. Spring Arts Festival was eventually recognized by Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Louisiana thanks to the Police Jury who nominated me. As a recipient of the coveted Angel Award, I was awarded a cash prize of $20,000 to my favorite charity, Cultural Crossroads. The funds allowed The Farm to build their much needed public restrooms. This addition allowed The Farm to offer their acreage as a valued venue for activities such as music festivals, farmers markets, and currently a makers fair.
I learned quickly that grant writing would be my ticket to funding the many projects I wanted to create for children. I studied and attended many workshops. I would eventually write many grants and over time managed bring to The Farm and Minden nearly a million dollars in funding in federal, State and local projects.
My expertise in grant writing eventually led to the construction of “Zenobia’s House.” This studio on the property now offers art instruction to area children. “Art at the Farm” provides instructional art by a highly accomplished artist and art teacher, Miss Jennifer Heard, who once worked for me.
All my efforts have always focused on projects and programs to improve the quality of life for ALL of our children.
I know that my personal politics may not be appreciated among a vast majority of conservatives. I understand that. I only hope voters will see me for what I have done for children, ALL children. And give me a seat at the table.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Founded The Children’s Center After school Enrichment Center
- Co founded Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. Served as volunteer Executive Director of The Farm of Cultural Crossroads for more than 20 years.
- Organized and Chaired the First of many Spring Arts Festivals.
- Authored nearly a million dollars in Arts grants from State and federal agencies.
- “Woman of the Year”
- Founded The Minden-Germantown Commission, Inc.
- Instrumental in securing grant funds for the construction of an Art studio on THE FARM’S four acre estate for art classes for children.
- Governor’s Award for Promotion of the Arts
- Minden Visionary Award
- Blue Cross Blue Sheild Angel Award