Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Farmer's Market Starts This Weekend!


Please join us this coming SATURDAY May 14 at "The Farm" (across from Sav A Lot Grocery)..We will be opening to the public at 7:OO A.M. Having a variety of goodies i.e.: Jellies, Candy, Cookies, Eggs, Handmade soaps, some vegetables. We will also have bee and bat boxes, bird feeders and bird houses. This is only a sample of what will be available. We also will have some yard sales.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A LETTER FROM OUR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

I have called Minden my home since 1971. I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to encourage, expose, teach and promote the arts. With all the studies that show the value of an arts curriculum and how the arts play an important role in brain development of a child, I am constantly amazed how that message isn’t getting to the right people. Or that it has been discounted, down-played and out-right ignored. I’ve even come to wonder if there’s a conspiracy to dumb down our children especially when you consider that we seem to be putting all of our emphasis on teaching children how to pass a test. Aren’t we simply teaching them ‘what’ to think and not ‘how’ to think? With all the studies that show the role the arts play in critical thinking and problem solving, and with no arts curriculum in our schools, there’s no wonder our children’s scores are lacking. And I’m not surprised that our drop -out percentages are as high as they are.

Many of you are parents and you have to be seeing the same thing I am. You have to be wondering who is making the rules and who is turning our schools into prisons for our children. Instead of unlocking their minds, we’re limiting their brain development and we’re limiting their future prospects. I remember a learning environment when I was young that included music, art and theatre. I remember a school environment that made me want to go to school every day because I had something to look forward to and I felt challenged. Today’s children are stressed and the challenges they face appear to be the aggressive nature of another child.

As the founder of the first afterschool enrichment center in Minden, I know first-hand what the arts can do to not only improve a child’s self image but also what it can do to spark a child’s imagination, create a desire for learning and open their mind to unlimited possibilities. Right now, we are simply teaching them how to answer questions. Without a stimulating environment, it’s only a matter of time before more of our children will become statistics.

While considering the future of our country and the many challenges our children and grandchildren will face, they’re going to need more creative thinkers. We may not be able to change the school system but we can change the opportunities we provide to children through community-related activities.

And while we may not be able to solve the current financial challenges that seem to keep the arts out of school, there is another alternative. Community partnerships with the arts. We do have a local non- profit that has been filling the void for nearly two decades. Cultural Crossroads has already been providing what little art enrichment there is in the schools aside from the Gifted and Talented Program. Their annual Spring Arts Festival has provided opportunities for real art experiences free of charge to area children. This all volunteer organization led by a group of dedicated advocates for the arts and children have brought in nearly a million dollars to our parish in the past 15 years in the form of grants and foundation dollars. And they would do more but they are limited, too, limited in their funds and in the community support they receive. They need more volunteers. They need more corporate dollars so they can provide matching money for more grant opportunities. And they need more people to support their efforts.

As the chairman of the board of Cultural Crossroads, I do have an agenda. …to provide more opportunities for children to unlock their minds while increasing their desire for learning through the arts. I know it works. I am living proof.

If you would like to learn more about Cultural Crossroads and their programs visit their website at www.artsinminden. com. And if you would like to become a community partner, call me at 318-393-5991.

Passionate about the arts,
Chris Broussard

This letter ran in the Minden Press Herald in April of this year. We thought it was important enough to circulate on our blog.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

SAF 2011: Children's Yarn & Thread Contest Winners

2011 SAF CHILDREN'S YARN & THREAD CONTEST WINNERS

5TH-6TH GRADE
1st Place Sarah Walker
9TH-10TH GRADE
1st Place Laece Poe
2nd Place Gerrica Cheatham
11TH-12TH GRADE
1st Place Hannah Pickard Button's Pillow
2nd Place Erica Ruch Bowl
3rd Place Whitney Hudgens Pillow
Hon Men Raven Hall Pillow
LaCandio White Pillow

BEST OF SHOW: Laece Poe

SAF 2011: Poetry Contest Winners

2011 SAF CHILDREN'S POETRY CONTEST WINNERS

1ST-2ND GRADE
1st Place Emily Ramie "The Chicken Day" Glenbrook
3RD-4TH GRADE
1st Place Sarah Renaud "Lions" Richardson
5TH-6TH GRADE
1st Place Jaycee Johnson Springhill
2nd Place Cassiday McKinney "Cassidy" Phillips Middle School
3rd Place Cassiday McKinney "Green" Phillips Middle School
7TH-8TH GRADE
1st Place Bridget Cone "Haiku" Glenbrook
2nd Place Chase Adams "Love" Springhill
3rd Place Olivia McIntryre "Trials & Tribulations“ Springhill
9TH-10TH GRADE
1st place Andrew Evans "I said a Prayer for you" Springhill
2nd Place Kayla O'Neal "Stop Waiting" Homeschool
3rd Place Jasmine Mills "Mid summer” Homeschool
4th Place Kayla O'Neal "Get Back Up Again" Homeschool
11TH-12TH GRADE
1st Place Kara O'Neal "Rain" Homeschool
2nd place Kara O'Neal "Light's Dance" Homeschool
3rd place Leslie Abdelkader "Death of a Firefly" Springhill
4th place Kara O'Neal "There's a Certain Magic" Homeschool

BEST OF SHOW Kayla O'Neal "Once I loved" Homeschool
BEST OF SHOW Alexis Brophy "I know" Springhill

Monday, May 2, 2011

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Pre K-K

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
PRE K-K DIVISIONS: 65 Entries
Mixed Medium
1st Place Stella Powell "Funky Chicken" Glenbrook
2nd Place Jordan Coleman "Blue House" Harper
3rd Place Paige Beck "Funky Chicken" Glenbrook
4th Place Caden Thornton "Blue House" Richardson
Watercolors
1st Place Kaleigh Foster "Red Sam" Richardson
2nd Place Timiah Hawkins "Red Sam" Webster PreK
Pencil/Crayon
1st Place Anna Lee "Chef Anna" Glenbrook
2nd Place Gracie Purvis "Let's Eat" Glenbrook
3rd Place Maleah Barker "The Chef" Glenbrook
4th Place Ansley Glasscock "The Cook" Glenbrook
Painting
1st place Colin Herndon "Karate" Harper
2nd Place Emile Talry "Lighthouse" Browning
3rd Place Jacob Powell "Funky Chicken" Glenbrook
4th Place Sophie Spiullers "Untitled" Webster PreK
4th Place Elyse Jackson "Flower" Glenbrook

BEST OF SHOW: Paige Lott "Funky chicken" Glenbrook

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 1-2

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADES 1-2 186 Entries
Mixed Medium
1st Place Aidan Harris "Bluejeans & Quilts Glenbrook
2nd Place Jackson Powell "Lights on" Glenbrook
3rd Place Hannah Mosley "On the Farm" Glenbrook
4th Place John Gilbert "Blue House" Richardson
Watercolors
1st Place Jemma Killingworth "Scarecrow & Barn" Glenbrook
2nd Place Grady Brasher "Sunflowers" Glenbrook
3rd Place Emma Earnhardt "Scarecrow & Barn" Glenbrook
4th Place Katelyn McNight "Cat" Richardson
Pencil/Crayon
1st Place Aidan Harris "Self Portrait" Glenbrook
2nd Place Annistan Jordan "Have a Cupcake" Glenbrook
3rd Place Elizabeth Walker "Rainbow Rooster" Homeschool
4th Place Emily Ramie "Carrots Anyone" Glenbrook
Painting
1st place Aiden Harris "Starry, Starry Holy Night" Glenbrook
2nd Place Jake Moro "Funky Chicken" Harper
3rd Place Kaylie Nelson "Bug" Glenbrook
4th Place Rhodes Greer "Daffodil" Glenbrook
Collages
1st Place Connor Humphries "Chicken" Glenbrook
2nd Place Cheyenne Moore "Chicken" Glenbrook
3rd Place Harvey Cole "Mask" Browning
4th Place Katelyn Massey "Chicken" Glenbrook

BEST OF SHOW: Jackson McKinney "Blue Dog" Harper

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 3-4

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADES 3-4 165 Entries
Mixed Medium
1st Place Kerigan Sanders "Spring Cleaning" Glenbrook
2nd Place Kacee Nixon "Ruff Ruff" Stewart
3rd Place Katherine Chumbley "Grandma's Quilts" Glenbrook
4th Place Ally (?) "Barn" Glenbrook
Watercolors
1st Place Emma Whyte "Weird Blown" Glenbrook
2nd Place Daniel Miller "Come on Crows" Glenbrook
3rd Place Savannah Moro "Red Sam" Harper
4th Place Aubrie Dickson "Curly" Glenbrook
Pencil/Crayon
1st Place Eli McGraw "Louisiana Cook" Glenbrook
2nd Place Savannah Moro "Funky Town" Harper
3rd Place Skylar Davis "Want a Snowcone" Glenbrook
4th Place John Curtis Brown "Fleur de lis gardener" Glenbrook
Painting
1st place Hayden Whyte "4 Pears" Glenbrook
2nd Place Shadra Neal "Barn" Brown Upper
3rd Place Katie Hortman "3 Pears" Glenbrook
4th Place Dreunna Washington "Ode to Jocob Lawrence" Brown Upper
Collage
1st Place Avery Dye "I'm such a pretty egg" Glenbrook
2nd Place Michaela Waits "Oh No my egg broke" Glenbrook
3re Place Darbi Walker "I'm so Eggy, right?" Glenbrook
4th Place Hope Kennedy "I wanna play play play all day Glenbrook
Photography
1st Place Logan Bailery "Chicken with Tree" Central
2nd Place Logan Bailery "Chicken with Flowers" Central

BEST OF SHOW: Katherine Chumley "Pears on Plaid" Glenbrook

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 5-6

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADES 5-6 169 Entries
Mixed Medium
1st Place Katelyn O'Neal "Clown Print Untitled" Brown Upper
2nd Place Rico Gonzales "Picasso Face" Springhill
3rd Place Kadie Garza "St. Louis Cathedral" Ringgold
4th Place Jenni Nguyen "Untitled" Glenbrook
Watercolors
1st Place Parker Christy "Indian ArtiFacts" Glenbrook
2nd Place Kelsey Gilliam "Pottery Corn" Glenbrook
3rd Place Payton Lee "The Big Red" "Red Sam" Glenbrook
4th Place Braden McLemore "Summer Harvest" Glenbrook
Pencil/Crayon
1st Place Dylan Cone "Bistro Chef" Glenbrook
2nd Place Matlavius Wortham "Smile" Springhill
3rd Place Peyton Lee "Chef Molly" Glenbrook
4th Place Rico Gonzales "Spider/lockers" Springhill
Painting
1st place Jacie Brent "Easter Chicken" Shongaloo
2nd Place Holly Hoenke "Tomatoes" Glenbrook
3rd Place Tristen Parrie "Self Portrait Phillips
4th Place Layla Easley "Self Portrait in Green" Harper
Collage
1st Place Dakota McGarity "Miss Crawfish" Glenbrook
2nd Place Brier Compton "Abstract" Glenbrook
3re Place Gracie Simonton "Eat More Shrimp" Glenbrook
4th Place Emily Frye "Please wait to be seated" Glenbrook
Photography
1st Place Merry Faith Ward "Breathless" Phillips
2nd Place Mariah Ray "Love Potion" Phillips
3rd Place Merry Faith Ward "God's Beauty" Phillips
4th Place Jacie Brent "Frozen Feathers" Shongaloo
Sculptures
1st Place Leela Caswell "Chicken Burrito" Springhill
2nd Place Thomas
Sanders "Fish Shoe" Glenbrook
3rd Place Abigail Gilbert "Priscilla Peacock" Glenbrook

4th Place Alaysia Wright "Elephant" Stewart

BEST OF SHOW: Leanna Cooper "Barn" Glenbrook

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 7-8

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADE 7-8 43 Entries
Pencil/Drawings
1st Place Shalen Haney "Portrait" Springhill
2nd Place Ali Johnson "Fleur de lis potpourri" Webster Jr.
3rd Place Allie Bridges "Portrait" Springhill
Mixed Medium
1st Place Arabelle Adamis "Perception" Springhill
2nd Place DeAnna Cain "Guitar" Springhill
Photograph
1st Place Marjoria Bailey "Rooster on Rake" Lakeside
2nd Place Marjoria Bailey "Misty Morning" Lakeside
3rd Place Michelle Sprawls "Momma Cow & Baby Cow" Springhill
4th Place Dylan West "Strawberries & Chocolate" Springhill
Painting
1st place Shalen Haney "Untitled" Springhill
2nd Place Shalen Haney "Blossom Me" Springhill
3rd Place Alexis Downs "Head of a Man" Glenbrook
4th Place Abbie Adams "Abstract" Springhill
Collages
1st Place Brittany Duke "Apple Inc" Springhlll
2nd Place Savannah Crell "Colorful Flowers" Springhlll
3rd Place Michelle Sprawls "Chanel" Springhlll
Sculptures
1st Place Marjorie Bailey "Owl" Lakeside
2nd Place James Flint "Three Face" Springhill
3rd Place Kristin Sparkman "Chinese Tower" Springhill
4th Place Katherine Hall "Red Ziggerat" Springhill

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 9-10

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADES 9-10 56 Entries
Mixed Medium
1st Place Alexis Kenny Abstract w/mast "Spring Cleaning" Springhill
2nd Place Tate Smith "Large Abstract" Springhill
3rd Place Mikaela Carrender "Let's Doodle" Minden
Watercolors
1st Place Alex Taylor "Trees & Wind" Springhill
2nd Place LaeCe Poe "Untitled" Springhill
Pencil/Crayon
1st Place Mikala Carrender "Power to Change the World" Minden
2nd Place Mattavious Wortham "Cat" "Smile" Springhill
3rd Place Kayla O'Neal "Elephant" Homeschool
4th Place Bradley Morgan "Floral" Sarepta
Painting
1st place Bradley Morgan Untitled Sarepta
2nd Place Ashley Luckett "Chinese Floral" Springhill
3rd Place Kayla O'Neal "After the Storm" Homeschool
4th Place Skylar Umphries "Self portrait in yellow" Shongaloo
Collage
1st Place LaeCe Poe "Choose Life" Springhill
Photography
1st Place Brandi Sims "Underwater Feat" Springhill
2nd Place Ashley Luckett "Look Into My Eyes" Springhill
3rd Place Jacarra Little "Lizards in New Orleans" Springhill
4th Place Kayla O'Neal "See Beyond" homeschool

BEST OF SHOW: Paten Allen "Portrait of girl & boy" Springhill

SAF 2011: ART CONTEST WINNERS: Grades 11-12

2011 SAF CHILDRENS ART CONTEST WINNERS
GRADES 11-12 44 Entries
Pencil/Drawings
1st Place Travarious Lawson "Sun" Springhill
2nd Place Shunti Wortham "Geometric Springhill
3rd Place JeQuavious White "Lockers" Springhill
4th Place JeQuavious White "Round Circles" Springhill
Mixed Medium
1st Place Cody Palmer "Bull" Springhill
2nd Place Travarious Lawson "Help us find jobs" Springhill
Photograph
1st Place Taylor Page "Leaf" Glenbrook
2nd Place Chandler Nelson "Limes" Glenbrook
3rd Place Michelle Sprawls Morgan Wren "Frog" Glenbrook
4th Place Sara McCann "Field at Sundown" Glenbrook
Painting
1st place Savannah Brown "Punky Chicken" Glenbrook
2nd Place Kayla Hardy "live Strong" Minden
3rd Place Mathew Tucker "Mr. Sir" Glenbrook
4th Place Kayla Hardy "Birds/cage" Minden
Watercolors
1st Place Tyjuan Thomas "No Street Car" Springhlll
2nd Place Rachael Nastasi "WC Bird" Glenbrook
3rd Place Rudy Spurlock "Portrait" Glenbrook
4th Place Savannah Brown "Trees" Glenbrook

BEST OF SHOW Beaux Gipson's "Dog" Glenbrook

12-year-old artist sparked Louisiana spirit at Spring Arts Festival



Savanah Hall, a Webster-born 12 year old artist, showcased her work at this year’s Spring Arts Festival in Minden over the weekend. Hall, who has not received any formal training, began painting “Peli” & “Pelie”, a “brother and sister” pelican team, in 2010 following the Gulf coast oil spill.

The duo is the sole creation of Hall, who refers to them as “ambassadors” for pelicans, sea birds, and other creatures of the sea, which are often affected by pollutants introduced to the Gulf of Mexico. Hall’s artwork depicts Peli & Pelie in the midst of a number of activities, including work and play.

“I was amazed,” said Jenny Reynolds, a Cultural Crossroads board member and festival supporter. “To see yet another of our young people doing such amazing things with her God-given talents is so inspiring. She does her work with a greater purpose; and that’s so great to see.”

Hall, born in Minden to parents Samantha Brown and Shane Patterson, now resides in Sabine Parish with her adoptive mother, Shannon Hall, who helped the young artist develop Savanah & Company, the business-front which sells quality prints and decals of her original paintings and designs. Hall attributes some of her innate art skills to Samantha, who she describes as a natural artist.

Hall sold numerous pieces during 2011’s art festival; and hundreds of festival-goers became new admirers of this incredibly talented artist and young entrepreneur.

“One of the professional artists we featured during the festival just fell in love with Savanah’s work,” explained Cultural Crossroads Founder and Chairman of the Board Chris Broussard. “She purchased some of Savanah’s autographed pieces to present to Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne at an upcoming event!”

For more information about Savanah Hall and her characters, Peli & Pelie, email savanah@satcomsigns.com.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The 2011 Great Talent Search Winners Are.....

Elementary Division -
Honorable Mention - Peyton Garner, Shongaloo Elem. - Solo Vocalist
3rd Place - Khristopher Jones, Jones Elem. - Praise Dancer
2nd Place - Sydni Richardson, Shongaloo Elem. - Jazz Dancer
1st Place - Kayus Gros, Central Elem. - Break Dancer

Middle School Division -
3rd Place (Tie) - Madison Couch, Kendall Brunson, Allyson Doyle (Hip Hop Dance Group), Central Elem.
3rd Place (Tie) - Abigail Gilbert, Glenbrook School - Pianist
2nd Place - Maite Bean, Webster Jr. High - Solo Vocalist
1st Place - Collin Jenkins, Shongaloo - Solo Vocalist

High School Division -
3rd Place - Bria Wiese, Sarepta High School - Solo Vocalist
2nd Place - Dalton Harrison, Shongaloo - Whip Cracker
1st Place - Meredith Nelson, Glenbrook - Acoustic Guitar/Vocalist

2011 Winners' Circle (1st place winners from past and present competed for scholarship money)
(Tied)
Collin Jenkins, Shongaloo - Solo Vocalist
Abby Reynolds, Lakeside - Tap Dancer *2010 winner
** The two chose to split the money, so they were each awarded $125 to be used toward the development of their talents.
_____________________________________________

" Overall Most talented School" in Webster parish was awarded once again to Glenbrook (they were also awarded a $2,500 Arts In Education program for 2012.)
"Most Talented Elementary School"--Glenbrook
"Most Talented Middle School" --Springhill Jr. Hi.
"Most Talented Hi School" --Shongaloo Hi
"Most Talented Student" --Jaycee Brent, Shongaloo Middle School