FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ribbon Cutting for Public Art Billboard
WHAT: Ribbon Cutting for Public Art
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19
TIME: 10 a.m.
WHERE: I-49 Service Road, Opelousas
CONTACT: Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; museum@cityofopelousas.com
Join us for a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. to celebrate a public art billboard display featuring a photo by Florence Freeman. The gathering takes place in the parking lot of Sonny’s Audio at 5407 Interstate 49 South Service Rd, Opelousas, LA 70570.
Over the course of one year, photos by four Opelousas residents will be part of a billboard display on I-49 in Opelousas. Thinking Big, a public art project of the Opelousas Museum, strives to magnify and uplift community art to a regional scale. This is done by transforming and showcasing images from the Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods community photo exhibit. Three outstanding photos were chosen by a panel of professional artists, and one was selected by popular vote. Selected images are by Florence Freeman, Bruce Alsandor, Hernet Hill and Lisa Lewis.
The outdoor art display amplifies striking beauty in everyday moments. It also highlights the artistry of Opelousas residents and encourages passersby to take the Opelousas exit to visit local sights including the Opelousas Museum.
The billboard sits on the east side of I‑49 between Judson Walsh Road and Creswell Lane, visible to drivers heading from Grand Coteau toward Opelousas on the left.
Florence Freeman’s photo, “Joe Doing What he Loves Best,” features her husband giving a haircut to a customer; the gaze of the subjects serves as an invitation to step inside this precious moment in time. The image will remain until the end of July, when a new image will be displayed.
Life-long Opelousas resident Florence Freeman is married with two beautiful daughters. After years of service for the City of Opelousas, she retired six years ago. Freeman was inspired to submit the photo of Joe Freeman’s Beauty and Barber Salon to honor this 30-year-old institution. According to Freeman, preserving these images not only pays tribute to the barbershop’s legacy, but also serves as a gift to future barbers, family and the community for generations to come.
Thinking Big is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism. The project also receives support from the St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission as well as the City of Opelousas. The Ribbon Cutting is made possible through the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce.
The Opelousas Museum is located at 315 N Main St., Opelousas, LA 70570.
FMI: Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; museum@cityofopelousas.com
