7 May 2024

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening

2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00

Produced by Bill Rodman and Flo Ulmer-Rodman of The Bill Rodman Production Shoppe, a new documentary, “Mavis: One Simple Sentence,” tells the inspiring story of Mavis Arnaud Fruge, the woman who ignited a cultural revolution to save Louisiana French. At this screening on Saturday, May 26, 6pm at the NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, refreshments will be served.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” delves into Fruge’s extraordinary journey. At a time when most lives slow down, Fruge dedicates two decades to a tireless quest. Her “French Tables” bring communities together, fostering pride in their heritage and language.

Fruge’s efforts don’t stop at conversation. Fruge’s herculean efforts spark a “cultural economy” phenomenon, attracting global attention.

Now in her eighties, Fruge remains a towering figure. Knighted twice by the French government, an honor typically reserved for national heroes, she continues her mission. Her dream – establishing St. Luc’s, the first-ever Louisiana French immersion school in the U.S. – would revolutionize language education.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a difference.

Please contact Gene Paquette (gene@powellschicago.com) if you would like to schedule an interview with the producers or NUNU staff.

“Mavis: One Simple Sentence” Documentary Screening2024-05-07T11:52:49-05:00
30 Apr 2024

Dustin Dale Gaspard at NUNU

2024-04-30T11:16:17-05:00

Cajun Americana singer-songwriter Dustin Dale Gaspard will perform live at NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville on May 30th. Doors open at 6pm and the music stars at 7:30pm. Admission is $20.

After 10 years of performing throughout the deep South, Dustin Dale Gaspard released his full-length debut album “Hoping Heaven Got A Kitchen” in March 2022. The decade that he spent honing his songwriting helped create an album that speaks to the soul of rural roots listeners and alternative folk lovers alike, all while delivering an intimate insight into the Cajun native’s groove felt mysticism. Written for his grandparents, his record displays undeniable heart, love, community and the sonic influence of the land that raised him. Gaspard’s next album, “Avec Le Courrant” is a bilingual folk Americana concept record detailing the story of his Acadian ancestor’s exile during the event know as “Le Grand Derangement”.

Dustin Dale Gaspard at NUNU2024-04-30T11:16:17-05:00
15 Apr 2024

Sacred Amazonian Cacao Ceremony at NUNU

2024-04-15T12:41:41-05:00

On Sunday, May 19th at 2pm, you can commune with the sacred plant of cacao, revered by ancient cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties, you’ll embark on a journey of inner exploration and communal connection. Led by experienced guides, you’ll engage in meditation practices to quiet the mind and open the heart, allowing the essence of cacao to penetrate your being.

Surrounded by the exhibit “Soeurs de la chasse” by Camille Farrah Lenain at the NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, the air will be filled with the resonant melodies of sacred ceremony songs, echoing the chants of generations past. These ancient rhythms will guide you deeper into a state of reverence and introspection, as you tap into the collective wisdom of indigenous peoples who have long honored the spirit of cacao.

As you sip the rich elixir, infused with theobromine and anandamide, the blissful effects of this sacred plant compound will gently awaken your senses, fostering a profound sense of connection and unity with yourself and the community around you. Experience firsthand the heart-opening power of cacao as it unlocks the gates to inner joy and spiritual insight.

Join us for this transformative journey into the heart of Amazonian tradition, where art, spirituality, and cultural heritage converge to offer a taste of the sacred rituals that have sustained indigenous communities for millennia.

Melodie Knapp is a wisdom keeper, who works with sacred plants in order to facilitate the remembering, and healing of the self and community.

Sacred Amazonian Cacao Ceremony at NUNU2024-04-15T12:41:41-05:00
22 Feb 2024

Potluck and Open Mic at NUNU

2024-02-22T15:14:33-06:00

Head to NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville for a night of community, creativity, and delicious eats at NUNU’s Open Mic Potluck!

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Sign up to perform at the open mic, whether you’re a seasoned singer, a budding poet, or a musical mastermind. Let your voice be heard!
  • It’s a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to pass around and contribute to the feast. From savory snacks to decadent desserts, all contributions are welcome!
  • Mingle with your neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of NUNU.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled evening! Spread the word, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a night of laughter, music, and community spirit.

Can’t perform but still want to join the fun? No problem! Come listen to the talented performers and enjoy the potluck spread.

How does it work?

  • Make a $5 Donation at the door
  • Bring a covered dish
  • Wash some dishes
  • Help tidy up before leaving
Potluck and Open Mic at NUNU2024-02-22T15:14:33-06:00
21 Feb 2024

Open Painting Studio

2024-02-21T16:08:45-06:00

Calling all artists looking for a fun and inspiring afternoon. Head to NUNU Art & Cultural Collective in Arnaudville on Wednesdays from 2 PM to 4 PM.

Here’s why you should join:

  • Express yourself freely: Immerse yourself in a welcoming and supportive environment where you can explore your creativity through painting.
  • Sharpen your skills: Seasoned artist Kay Jeansonne will be on hand to offer guidance and share her insights, helping you elevate your work.
  • Work in a stunning space: Unleash your creativity in a beautiful, well-lit gallery space, perfect for inspiring your artistic spirit.
  • Bring your supplies: This session allows you to experiment with your preferred mediums and techniques.
  • Affordable fun: For just $15, you can enjoy two hours of artistic exploration and community connection.

Ready to join the fun?

  • When: Most Wednesdays, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • Where: NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Hwy, Arnaudville, LA
  • Cost: $15
  • What to bring: Your art supplies
  • Bonus: Kay Jeansonne’s artistic guidance and insights!
Open Painting Studio2024-02-21T16:08:45-06:00
21 Feb 2024

Cico’s Songwriting Circle

2024-10-04T15:02:02-05:00
Guide and be guided by other singer-songwriters and get to know the ever-growing community at NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville.
Every third Sunday, from 12pm-2pm, join John Cico as he leads, Cico’s Songwriting Circle. Musicians will share intimate creative exchanges within an art-filled, beautifully renovated space that was once the Singleton’s Hardware and Lumber. John Cico is a singer-songwriter who knows the line between folk, country, and blues with deft fingerstyle guitar and poetic lyricism.
“He is the second coming of Townes Van Zandt, as far as I’m concerned…” – Greg Shaddix – The Mockingbird Podcast
Cico’s Songwriting Circle2024-10-04T15:02:02-05:00
27 Oct 2023

Robert Cline Jr. & Ted Russel Kamp at NUNU

2023-10-27T15:10:03-05:00

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville and Singleton Pure Music’s Listening Room are hosting musicians Robert Cline Jr. and Grammy-winning bass player Ted Russell Kamp. From 6pm-10pm on Sunday, November 12th, you can get ready for a night filled with soulful tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and toe-tapping rhythms.

Entrance fee is $20.

Robert Cline Jr. & Ted Russel Kamp at NUNU2023-10-27T15:10:03-05:00
5 Sep 2023

Acadiana Fibershed Meeting

2023-09-22T16:26:12-05:00

Acadiana Fibershed and Acadian Brown Cotton invite growers, artisans, and textile lovers of all kinds to meet on Saturday, October 7 from 1pm–5pm at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center located just outside of Opelousas at 1-49, Exit 23.

This nonprofit group is comprised of farmers, fashion activists, and makers developing regional regenerative fiber systems that rebuild the soil and are paving the way for a new textile economy.

This event is open for the public to attend and see demonstrations and exhibits featuring cotton, wool, angora, hemp, roselle, and natural dye plants.

DEMONSTRATIONS

Weaving       Suzanne Chaillot Breaux

Spinning      Darcy Fabre

Mending      Meagan Phipps

Botanical     Eliza Wapner

Dying            Rebecca Baker

Crochet        Emma Guidry

VENDORS

Jan Williams                                   Homegrown/made soap          

Ultima’s Nest                                  Botanical dyed clothing, vintage jewelry

Eliza Wapner                                  Botanical dyed clothing

Suzanne Chaillot Breaux              Fiber art, handwoven scarves and runners

Jennie Lallande                             Roselle Hibiscus products

Joan Musemeche                         Acadian Brown Cotton towels, napkins

Acadian Brown Cotton               Posters, pins, yarn, roving, DVD ABC documentary film

PRESENTERS

Sharon Gordon                              Donnan Acadiana Fibershed

Devin Wright                                 Farm Bill Sproutnola

Jennie Lallande                             Regenerative Agriculture

Jordon Masters                             Micro mill video

Samii Kennedy-Benson               USDA Grant for feminine hygiene products

Ph.d Southern University

Darcy Fabre                                    Weaving ABC video clip

Meagan Phipps                              Mending

Eliza Wapner                                 Using  natural dyes

Rebecca Baker                               Growing and using natural dyes

Clementine Cooper                      New programs at Sacred Heart Academy

Randon Dufrene                           Small farmers recruitment

Suzanne Chaillot Breaux           Fundraiser and Auction

Acadiana Fibershed Meeting2023-09-22T16:26:12-05:00
3 Mar 2023

“Still Rising: Free People of Color” Exhibit Presentations

2023-04-19T13:48:47-05:00

In celebration of the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center‘s newest exhibit, Still Rising: Free People of Color in St. Landry Parish, a series of presentations will be held at the museum on Saturday, April 1 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The presenters will provide in-depth information on the exhibit.

The presentations include:

  • The Life and Times of Martin Donato, Etha Simien Amling
  • History of St Ann Catholic Church in Mallet: 1856 to the present, Vivian Broussard Guillory
  • Origins of Free People of Color, Alex Lee
“Still Rising: Free People of Color” Exhibit Presentations2023-04-19T13:48:47-05:00
3 Mar 2023

“Still Rising: Free People of Color” Exhibit Unveiling

2023-03-23T11:52:10-05:00

On Thursday, March 30, the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center will host a reception to unveil their new permanent exhibit, Still Rising: Free People of Color in St. Landry Parish. The scholars who created the exhibit will give brief presentations as visitors enjoy the display. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Landry Parish had the second largest population of Free People of Color in Louisiana, outside of New Orleans. This community shaped culture, economy and other aspects of the region in the pre-Civil War era. Through images, text, maps and a timeline, the display will describe lifestyle, trades and culture of Free People of Color from the 1700s to the present. The exhibit also explores how despite a precarious situation—free but with social restrictions—they thrived, leaving a legacy that echoes in our lives today.

In addition to the unveiling, on Saturday, April 1 there will be a series of presentations by the scholars who helped create the exhibit. Learn more about that event here.

“Still Rising: Free People of Color” Exhibit Unveiling2023-03-23T11:52:10-05:00
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