23 Apr 2025

Summer Discussion Series on Architecture, Community Development, and Historic Preservation

2025-05-09T14:30:06-05:00

In partnership with the Louisiana Historic Preservation Fund, Levity, and Art Transit Authority, NUNU’s is excited to announce a new series of community residencies and afternoon discussion tables with historic preservation experts to inform the public on their fields.

NUNU Art and Culture Collective (NUNUs) is a repository for conversation, and a gathering point for citizens within the tri-community area of Sunset, Grand Coteau, and Arnaudville to discuss cultural topics. In their 2024 report, the National Academies of Sciences has outlined the realities of community-driven relocation in the U.S. Gulf Coast Region due to the changes in the insurance policy landscape. The tri-community area can expect a population influx within the next decade. Within this migration there is a need to prepare to present, share, and change existing architecture, lifeways, and culture. Development will increase the interest and need for preservation projects within the area, and pressure local citizens to quickly engage with and understand cultural change and historic preservation.

Aware of these changes, NUNU’s is developing programming to establish relational connections to the Historical preservation process.

Building with is a series of four free public discussion tables designed to increase community knowledge of programs that enhance a broader collective understanding of historic preservation strategies and resources.

The monthly events will take place on Saturdays from May to August 2025. The series aims to foster dialogue in the Sunset, Grand Coteau, and Arnaudville area, which are inherently linked through shared history, communities, businesses, and built architectural culture. The tables are designed to invite local architecture firms, historic homeowners, and historians community-wide for discussions on dreaming of future projects in the area, and provide interaction and dialogue with experts to catalyze future projects. It is an opportunity to network and understand the local field in order to create, support, and advocate for historic preservation within the community.

Through this series NUNU’s shall invite leading architects, historians, anthropologists, and policy makers to discuss preliminary topics in historic preservation through a 1-2 day stay within the existing NUNU residency program. Each residency shall include a tour of local area and a public program on their professional expertise. The knowledge shared within these residencies directly addresses needs of historic preservation, cultural resources, and conservation.

The goal of this program is to increase agency, engagement, and collaboration in the future of the community. The public’s understanding and relational ties are vital components to the region’s next phase of growth to ensure the communities are prepared to take on projects to celebrate while welcoming the future of their changing composition. These relational connections are a critical foundation for designing connected projects, and create the preliminary environment for developing informed historic preservation and community development.

The series takes place on the third Saturdays of the month from May through August from 2 to 4 at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective.

May 17, 2025 – Karen W. McKinney

June 21, 2025 – W. Geoff Gjertson

July 17, 2025 – Dr. Diane Jones-Allen

August 19, 2025 – Page Comeaux

Summer Discussion Series on Architecture, Community Development, and Historic Preservation2025-05-09T14:30:06-05:00
24 Feb 2025

Singer Songwriter Night

2025-02-24T12:54:30-06:00

On Wednesday, March 5th at 7:30pm, NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, you can enjoy a night of music with Dana Cooper, Dustin Dale Gaspard, and Reece Sullivan.

Over his 50+ year career, Dana Cooper has recorded over 30 albums and continues to tour actively. His last release, “The Ghost of Tucumcari” featured guest artists Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson,and others. Dustin Dale Gaspard’s songwriting speaks to the soul of rural roots listeners and alternative folk lovers alike, while delivering an intimate insight into the Cajun native’s groove felt mysticism.

Originally from Arkansas, Reece Sullivan now lives in Lafayette and plays the surrounding states regularly. Over the course of the years, Sullivan has reinvented himself musically many times: piano to guitar, classical to art rock, art rock to folk, flat picking to finger-picking, solely songwriting to performing.

Admission is $25. You can purchase tickets here.

Singer Songwriter Night2025-02-24T12:54:30-06:00
8 Jan 2025

Joe Hall Memorial Concert & CD Release

2025-01-08T12:07:49-06:00

On Saturday, February 8th at 6:30pm at NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville you can enjoy a chicken dinner, film preview of “Who’s Playing My Box” featuring Joe Hall, followed by a live concert and CD release with Cedric Watson, Paul Lavan, Mark Palms and more special guests.

Legendary Creole and Zydeco accordionist and vocalist Joe Hall passed away suddenly on November 21, 2024. He and his band the Cane Cutters kept alive the French Creole musical tradition that he learned directly from creators Bois Sec Ardoin and Nolton Simien. Come celebrate his life and memory with food, film, and music.

“Who’s Playing My Box” is a documentary supported in part by a project grant from the Office of the Lt Governor Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts with funding from the NEA and administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts & New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation.

Chicken dinner is free; $10 admission for the concert.

To schedule an interview with the organizers or NUNU staff: please contact Gene Paquette (Genefpaquette@gmail.com). Thanks for your support.

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, located at 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy, Arnaudville LA 70512, is a non-profit, all-volunteer exhibit and performance space dedicated to promoting the diverse visual, literary, and musical culture of Southwest Louisiana. It is open to the public 10am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday, as well as by appointment and for special events. Website: nunucollective.org

Joe Hall Memorial Concert & CD Release2025-01-08T12:07:49-06:00
26 Aug 2024

Caleb Elliott and Jordan Allen Dean at NUNU

2024-08-26T12:45:11-05:00

Natchitoches native Caleb Elliott spent many years creating and performing around Lafayette before moving on to the Muscle Shoals music scene. Most recently Elliott performed at the Acadiana Center for the Arts with Nashville recording artists the Secret Sisters. He returns to the area on Wednesday September 25 to open the fall season at the intimate listening room at NUNU Art & Culture Collective in Arnaudville. With him will be Muscle Shoals performing artist Jordan Allen Dean.

Tickets are $20: events.humanitix.com/nunu92524 

Caleb Elliott and Jordan Allen Dean at NUNU2024-08-26T12:45:11-05:00
19 Aug 2024

Boo! Bash at NUNU

2024-08-19T12:56:46-05:00

On Saturday, October 26 from 7pm-11pm help the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville cool off with their “Cool the Culture Campaign.” NUNU, a vibrant, all-volunteer-powered non-profit organization celebrating a banner year of rich experiences, aims to raise $50,000 by June 1, 2025, to install long needed air-conditioning and insulation to preserve art, artists, and patrons in these sultry climes.

At the Boo! Bash Fundraiser, Bonsoir Catin with Christine Balfa & Friends (followed by DJ Shane Guidry) will be performing. You can also enjoy food, drinks, costume contest, auctions, and dancing for a worthy cause

Arts and culture supporters: you are invited to join NUNU in this effort anytime by visiting our online donation page: https://givebutter.com/ZiIenp.

Thanks to the unwavering support of its community and volunteers, NUNU has hosted a remarkable range of events in the last year: French / Kreyol, Film Screenings, Musical Delights, Art Exhibitions, Cultural Gatherings, Art Education, Artists-in-Residence, Visiting Artists, Campus Enhancements.

For an interview regarding the Boo! Bash or the history of NUNU, please contact Gene Paquette at gene@powellschicago.com.

Boo! Bash at NUNU2024-08-19T12:56:46-05:00
5 Jul 2024

Marche d’Ete

2024-07-05T16:00:34-05:00

The NUNU Arts & Culture Collective invites you to celebrate summer with a vibrant evening of art and community! Their exhibition, “Marche d’ete” (Summer Market), will take place on Friday, July 12th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Also see the current exhibit of work by photographer Ken Broussard.

Immerse Yourself in Summer:

“Marche d’ete” Exhibition: experience works by local and regional artists inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Louisiana summer.
Hors d’Oeuvres and Refreshments: Enjoy delicious light bites and refreshing drinks as you explore the exhibition and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts.
A Celebration of Literacy and Culture:

“Louisiana Dreams” Book Signing: Meet author Rebecka Bihm Lester and get your copy of “Louisiana Dreams” signed! This delightful children’s book captures the essence of Louisiana life, making it a perfect addition to any bookshelf.
Reading “en francais”: Join Ashlee Wilson for a special reading of “Louisiana Dreams” in French (en francais).
About “Louisiana Dreams”:

“Louisiana Dreams” is a charming children’s book illustrated by Virginia Geotting and translated by Valerie Broussard Boston. It celebrates the unique culture, landscapes, and traditions that make Louisiana a truly special place. Note attached PDF.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of the NUNU Arts & Culture Collective. It’s a free event, perfect for families and individuals seeking a taste of local art, literature, and community spirit. Spread the word and join us for an unforgettable summer evening!

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer exhibit and performance space dedicated to promoting the diverse visual, literary, and musical culture of Southwest Louisiana. It is open to the public 10am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday, as well as by appointment and for special events. nunucollective.org

Marche d’Ete2024-07-05T16:00:34-05:00
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
17 Apr 2024

The Impossible Burghers at NUNU

2024-04-17T13:47:42-05:00

The Impossible Burghers, are a band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band started through a class at Sunburst School of Music. It was during this class when Jill Hackney (lead vocals/guitar/ukulele) began writing original lyrics and music for the band. Along with Erin Barnes (drums/vocals), Alan Friedman (keyboard) and Jt Chiodi (bass) the band has developed a sound that shows influences ranging from Natalie Merchant and the B 52’s to Swamp Pop to a bit of Funk and Blues.

The Impossible Burghers will begin their short South Louisiana tour in Baton Rouge at Ann Connelly Fine Art on April 25, at an artist’s reception for Jill Hackney. Jill’s exhibition showcases her vision and interpretation of the Louisiana swamps, their cypress trees covered in Spanish moss and the still waters that surround them.

The Impossible Burghers will round out their tour at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective in Arnaudville on Sunday, April 28 at 2pm. Jill is no stranger to NUNU’s, and bringing her band there and having the chance to play in her “old stomping ground” should be quite exciting! The band will be playing all of their originals.

Jill is overjoyed to be able to bring together her visual art with her music. A quote from Jill, “The opportunity to be together with family and friends from Louisiana, to celebrate the beauty of the swamps, and to share my music is such a gift. I can’t thank my bandmates enough, for coming down and sharing this experience with me. I feel lucky to be able to tie these experiences together and share them with you.”

NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, located at 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy, Arnaudville LA 70512 is a non-profit, all-volunteer exhibit and performance space dedicated to promoting the diverse visual, literary, and musical culture of Southwest Louisiana. It is open to the public 10am-2pm Wednesday-Sunday, as well as by appointment and for special events. nunucollective.org

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

The Impossible Burghers at NUNU2024-04-17T13:47:42-05:00
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

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

337.948.8004
978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

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