Message from NUNU’s in Arnaudville:
A finished wreath, shaped and decorated by more than 15 NUNU Arts and Culture Collective members, has been entered into the Evangeline Downs Christmas Wreath of Hope contest. The contest awards up to $15,000 to non-profits with winning wreaths. Voting on the wreaths concludes Dec. 18, so do stop by Evangeline Downs and vote – and vote often, as you can vote every day if you wish.
The contest seeks to provide recognition for area non-profits and provide customers with information on how each non-profit contributes. Since 2010, NUNU collective has shaped and promoted authentic cultural programming as a means of building community. Its strategy has proved successful and it is nationally and internationally recognized as a creative force that stimulates economic growth. It does this with little funding and no paid staff. When the invite to participate was received, NUNU members rallied to the challenge and a stunning “one-of-a-kind” work resulted.
The wreath, which is at Evangeline Downs, is made of Magnolia leaves harvested from the yards of members Rheeta Marks and Eleanor Olivier Ramier. Artists Lisa DiStefano, Lily Severson, George Marks and Peg Ramier, laid out the initial design; and artists Denise Verret, Larry Bourque, Loretta Bourque, Elise Dupuis, Brian Erberich, and volunteer Betty Enard, each contributed to wreath construction. Enhancements include baubles and bulbs, a ribbon created by photographer Ralph Schexnaydre, Jr. that is imprinted using a cyanotype photographic process, handmade paper origami butterflies by artist Janelle Hebert, and crystals, designed and placed by chandelier designer Michelle Horton. As a finishing touch, a spritz of the fresh scent Bayou Noel, was applied. The scent was specifically designed for this wreath by NUNU board member Theresa Richard of Bain Amour Bath and Body Company.
Below the wreath stand a pedestal, upon which a hand-thrown bowl made by potter Suzy Savoy. Within the bowl are laser cut horseshoe-shaped ornaments and silhouetted magnolia leaves, designed and produced in the Eric and Gloria Van Arsdale Technology and Design Studio, by artist David P. Morrow. The studio is part of the new Makerspace located within the NUNU collective facility. Morrow also produced a laser imprinted statement plaque that relays information regarding NUNU outreach and programming.
Do visit Evangeline Down to see this work before or by Dec. 18, and VOTE!
