Join us for a ribbon cutting on Monday, November 9, at 1 p.m. to celebrate a public art billboard display
featuring a photo by Hernet Hill. 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 become 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 showcasing images from the Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods
community photo exhibit. Selected images are by Florence Freeman, Bruce Alsandor, Hernet Hill and Lisa Lewis
(People’s Choice). The project 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 I49 between Judson Walsh Road and Creswell Lane, visible to drivers
heading from Grand Coteau toward Opelousas on the left.
Hernet Hill’s photo, “Family Love,” features a group of men sitting around a table, playing dominos. The photo
was taken at Mr. Paul Wayne Thomas’ house at the corner of Perry Lane and Wallior Street. Hill explains that the
house serves as an informal community center. For as long as she has been alive, her family and friends have
gathered at Mr. Thomas’ house for games and community connection. The house sits in the Trash Pile
Neighborhood. Hernet explains that the neighborhood is a far cry from the image that the name might evoke
but, instead, a source of pride. She invites viewers, “to pass by, at any time. It’s nothing but love and respect up
there.”
Hernet Hill is a lifelong resident of Opelousas and the Trash Pile neighborhood. Hernet was originally resistant to
participating in the Where We Live project but was struck by the significance of the men sitting around a table.
Hernet wanted to expose the importance of the game of dominos at Mr. Paul Wayne Thomas’ house. She
believes the image highlights an important part of Opelousas that needs to be returned to, community.
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
Ribbon Cutting For Art Billboard Display
