Birthday Painting Parties are a huge hit!

Cultural Crossroads is now offering painting parties for birthdays or special occasions for children now. Chris Broussard, a local artist who has been teaching children's art for more than thirty years volunteers her time and talent with all the profits going to Cultural Crossroads and future arts programming for children.

This past weekend, Taylor LaDay and her invited guests provided the backdrop for this promotional piece. Cost of the birthday parties runs about $25 per child with a minimum of 10 required with all art materials included. Costume designs are created to help create original works of art for each birthday party.

For your next party, call Mrs. Chris at 393-5991!

Zenobia House Under Construction!

Construction is underway on a new 900 sq ft art studio for The Farm.  Zenobia's House, named after the late Zenobia West, who donated her family property to Cultural Crossroads in 2000, is scheduled to open late this fall.

The one room studio will allow for the expansion of programs by the twenty year old arts organization. The creative work space will make way for more creative workshops for children and adults while providing work space and gallery space for local artists.

Harold Weaver Construction of Minden is the General Contractor. This wonderful new structure was made possible by a grant from the Beard Foundation and an anonymous donor.

While the construction costs are offset by the generosity of local foundations, the interior needs of the studio, such as cabinets, tables, chairs, office furniture and fixtures are still to be determined. Donations for those items are being accepted.

The Farm Turned Into A Water Park!

Neighborhood kids and children from the childrens center were invited to cool off at The Farm wednesday. Horse troughs and a homemade slip and slide under the huge pecan trees at The Farm added to the monster water slide. Kids were treated to free lunch, watermelons and sugar cookies.

Earth Angels Adopt The Farm

     A group of young children decided to spend part of their summer on a community clean up project.

     As self appointed Earth Angels, they hope that other children will follow their example.

     They have selected to spend their summer cleaning the trash around the Farm and board members of Cultural Crossroads couldn't be happier.

     Pictured are Coco Stanley, Cameron Dauzat, Riley Dauzat and Emma Dauzat. Not pictured but part of the group is Presley Tyler.

Everyone Pitches In Year Round at The Farm

     If you're interested in helping at The Farm and to continue to keep our community "oasis" beautiful, please call (318) 393-5991 or email ghostchicken54(at)gmail.com.

Rick Broussard helps out with keeping the acreage looking great!

Civitans Donate to The Farm

     Members of the Minden chapter of Civitans International spend their Saturday building composting bins for the Farm.

     The non profit organization was looking for an environmental project and selected Cultural Crossroads' Farm as the recipient.

     They reported that they downloaded the design for the bins from the internet. Using recycled wooden pallets, the group of nine volunteers created the first of several composting bins as part of the Farm's future plans for a demonstration/educational center for teaching the public and children the benefits of recycling.

     Those Civitans involved in the project included Ed LaBruyere, Pat Betts, Joe Holley, Steve Bryan, Paul Morgan, Roger Grubbs, Judy Grubbs, Janis Bryan and John Quade.

Earth Camps Were A HUGE Success!

     56 young budding artists ranging in age from 6 to 14 spent one of three weeks at the Farm creating great works of art.  Among their creations this year, the youngsters painted a zen flower, sculpted a funky chicken, made 'earth' necklaces out of Fimo Clay and created a tribute to Mother Earth.

     The camps were held the first three weeks in June in the pavilion at the Farm. While the open-air pavilion provided the perfect setting for Earth Camp, the weather is always a factor. But the weather cooperated and the kids enjoyed some pretty cool mornings and even got to play in the rain.

     Next year's camp dates have not been set. The construction of Zenobia's House, a 900 sq foot air conditioned  studio will allow us to spread out weeks out.

Check our website for future dates and times.

FARMERS MARKET WILL END ITS SEASON THIS SATURDAY

     Local growers and farmers from Webster Parish have sold their bounty at the Farm's Farmers Market since their opening day May 5th.  

     While the heat and the lack of rain has affected their yield, they've still managed to provide us with some of the best and tastiest veggies. Fresh farm eggs and Marie's homemade Tamales were always the first to sell out.

     The Farm added a special section for 'fleas and tiques' this year and we enjoyed a variety of vendors selling a wide variety of goods from yard sale items. to hand painted signs, crafted vintage dish 'flowers', handmade bows, bands, jewelry and handpainted decorative items for the home. 4Hers have also participated in selling their crops while other young entrepreneurs have used the Farmers Market as a test market for new products.

     We are so fortunate to have locally grown vegetables instead of produce shipped in from Arkansas and Texas. It's been a great market year and we hope everyone will make their last market day, their best market day.

     Farmers Market is open from 7am-12N.  June 30th is their last day.  Come Bye! 419 East Union in the red pavilion.

Spring Arts Festival 2012 Youth Art Contest & Exhibition

Grades PreK - K / Mixed Medium

Best of Show:  Landry Powell  “Little Red Hen”  Glenbrook
First Place:  Jovantay Kennon “Sly Fox” Harper
Second Place:  Savannah Carter  “Sly Fox” Central
Third Place:  Hunter Moore  “Mr. Spikey”  Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Macy Waller  “Peekaboo”  Glenbrook

Grades PreK - K / Painting (Pencil, colored pencil, markers and crayon)
Best of Show:  Jackson Lott “Checkers” Glenbrook
First Place: Macy Waller “Mama & Baby” Glenbrook
Second Place: Blake Guin “Mario” Glenbrook
Third Place: Olivia Downer “Angel Fish” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Aaron Buffington “Angel” Glenbrook

Grades PreK - K / Drawing (Pencil, colored pencil, markers and crayon)

 

Grades 1st to 2nd / Mixed Medium
Best of Show:  Rebecca Harrington “Morning Call” Glenbrook
First Place: Molly Seales “Red Flower” Central
Second Place: Brelyn Winzer “Poppies” ?
Third Place: Karley Holzclaw “Chickadee” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Molly Seales “Gator” Central

Grades 1st to 2nd / Painting (Pencil, colored pencil, markers and crayon)
Best of Show:  Lexie Prince  “Picasso’s Daughter” Glenbrook
First Place: Cason Clemons “Bug-a-Boo” Glenbrook
Second Place: J.T Edge “Angel” Glenbrook
Second Place: J.T Dean “My Pears” Glenbrook
Second Place: Kylie Langford “Angelfish” Glenbrook
Third Place: Erika Needham “Red Bowl” Glenbrook
Third Place: Mary Evelyn King “Picasso’s Circle” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Ryley Massey “My Pretty Bug” Glenbrook

Grades 1st to 2nd / Drawing (Pencil, colored pencil, markers and crayon)
Best of Show:  Colin Campbell “Dino” Harper
First Place: Jacob Hortman “A Green Land” Glenbrook
Second Place: Lauren Still “My Louisiana Town” Glenbrook
Second Place: Grady Brasher “Murder” Glenbrook
Third Place: Daemon Howard “The Town” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Cheyenne Moore “Beautiful Town” Glenbrook

Grades 1st to 2nd / Collage
Best of Show:  Alexis Scott Harper

Grades 1st to 2nd / Watercolors
Best of Show:  Colin Campbell “Tucan” Harper
First Place: Nathan Willis “Pelican” Browning
Second Place: Colin Campbell “Scorpian” Harper
 
Grades 3rd to 4th / Mixed Medium
Best of Show:  Jonah Thomas “Crayons” Homeschool
First Place: Karrigan Zachary “Dogs” Central
Second Place: Karrigan Zachary “Art is ___” Central
Third Place: Rebecca Guthrie “Dog” Central
Honorable Mention:  Emma Whyte “Fish Eye” Glenbrook

Grades 3rd to 4th / Paintings  (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Emily Ramie “Grandmas Cider” Glenbrook
First Place: Carson Parker “Green Face” Glenbrook
Second Place: Hayden Brown “Bug” Glenbrook
Third Place: Camile Marvin “Rainbow Day” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Madi Coleman “Bug” Glenbrook

Grades 3rd to 4th / Collages
Best of Show:  Tryline Cleveland “Giraffe” Jones
First Place: Ryan Kendrick “Fish” Jones
Second Place: Donovan Douglas “Trees” Jones
Third Place: Shay Harrison “Spring” Jones
Honorable Mention:  Katie Jordan “Summer” Jones
Grades 3rd to 4th / Sculpture
First Place: Riley Young  Jones

Grades 3rd to 4th / Needlecraft/Crafts
Best of Show:  Elizabeth Walker Homeschool
First Place: Embeth Coyle “Red Band” Glenbrook
Second Place: Embeth Coyle “Pink Hat” Glenbrook
Third Place: Embeth Coyle “Pink Hat” Glenbrook

Grades 3rd to 4th / Poetry
First Place:  Molly Seales

Grades 5th to 6th / Mixed Medium
Best of Show:  Raquel Baes “Streetscape” NWJH
First Place: CJ McCullough “Stamp” Doyline
Second Place: Layla Easley “Cajun” Phillips
Third Place: McKenna Edge “Fish Eye” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:

Grades 5th to 6th / Paintings  (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Jakeitrick Roe “Evil Genius” NWJH
First Place: Jesse Schumaker “Green Face” NWUE
Second Place: Leanna Cooper “Peaches” Glenbrook
Third Place: Devin Wilson “Woodpecker” NWJH
Honorable Mention:  Layla Easley “Cardinal” Phillips

Grades 5-6 / Drawings (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Piper Mealey Untitled Glenbrook
First Place: Makayla Dean “Many Colorful” GlenbrookSecond Place: Ali Washburn “Crazy Fly Bye” Glenbrook
Third Place: Darbi Walker “Leaf Me Alone” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Michaela Waits “Hershey Chocolate”  Glenbrook

Grades 5th to 6th / Collages
First Place: Luke Price “Flowers” Glenbrook
Second Place: Valarie Needham “My Garden” Glenbrook

Grades 5th to 6th / Sculpture
Best of Show:  Chris Wells “Top Card” Central
First Place: Joshua Gosa MHS
Third Place: Zach YPYA “House” Doyline
Honorable Mention:  Hayden Hollis “Flower” Doyline

 
Grades 7th to 8th / Paintings  (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Tristen Parrie “Owe” Webster JH
First Place: Nick Adams “Green Face” NWJH
Second Place: Laken Lee “Flowers” Webster JH
Third Place: Leela Caswell “Pelican” NWJH
Honorable Mention:  Draven Bale “Rose” Doyline

Grades 7th to 8th / Drawings (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Rico Gonzales “Hands” NWJH
First Place: Chase Spillers “Face” NWJH
Second Place: Nick Adams “Hands” NWJH
Third Place: Autumn Weems “Dragon” Doyline
Honorable Mention:  Rico Gonzales “Superman” NWJH

Grades 7th to 8th / Collages
Best of Show:  Majorie Bailey “Flower” Lakeside
First Place: Autumn Weems “Head” Doyline
Second Place: Holter Frye “Remote Lands” Webster JH

Grades 7th to 8th / Photography
Best of Show:  Ashley Rhame “The Great Chandles” Glenbrook
First Place: Kennedy Ayers “The Hinkieu” Glenbrook
Second Place: Shelby Vaughn “Dorcheat” NWJH
Third Place: Merry Ward “Serenity” NWJH

Grades 7th to 8th / Poetry
Best of Show:  Katherine Willis Glenbrook
First Place:  Brantley Ranger Glenbrook
Second Place:  Katherine Willis Glenbrook
Third Place:  Katherine Willis Glenbrook

Grades 9th to 10th / Paintings  (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
First Place: Faith Manzanares “Doggie” MHS

Grades 9th to 10th / Drawings (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Second Place: Megan Shane “Felt” Doyline

Grades 9th to 10th / Photography
First Place: Sunni Wilson “Concentration” Glenbrook
Second Place: Sunni Wilson “Quincy” Glenbrook
Third Place: Sunni Wilson “Swing, batter batter” Glenbrook

Grades 11th to 12th / Mixed Medium
Best of Show:  Joshua Gosa MHS

Grades 11th to 12th  / Paintings  (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
First Place: Kayla Nicholas “Streetscape” Glenbrook

Grades 11th to 12th / Drawings (Pencil, colored pencil, markers, & Crayon)
Best of Show:  Taryn Eason “Egyptian King” Glenbrook
First Place: Nathan Landes “The Little Springtime” Glenbrook
Second Place: Cory Walker “Auto-fact” Glenbrook
Third Place: Caroline Tucker “Big Ben” Glenbrook
Honorable Mention:  Jack Parks “Farva” Glenbrook

Grades 11th to 12th / Photography
First Place: Savannah Willis “A Step in a Cycle” Glenbrook
Second Place: Savannah Willis “Migrant” Glenbrook
Third Place: Savannah Willis “Home” Glenbrook

Spring Arts Festival 2012 Overall Talent Winners

ELEMENTARY DIVISION:

1st - Alli Washburn - Dancing - Glenbrook - “I Want Candy”
2nd Embeth Coyle - Piano - Glenbrook -
3rd TIE:Milli Coleman - Singing - Glenbrook - "I Think It's Love" original song
Evie Brasher, Courtney Stanley, Piper Mealey - Dance Group - Glenbrook - "Dynamite"

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION:
1st Kara Bryce - Dancing - Glenbrook - "Jump, Jive, & Wail"
2nd Kenzie Ellington - Singing - Phillips
3rd Abigail Gilbert - Singing - Glenbrook "Part of Your World"

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:
1st Bria Wiese - Singing - North Webster
2nd Kelly McFarland - Singing - Doyline HS
3rd TIE
Allison Mourad - Singing - Glenbrook - "I Dreamed a Dream"
Eleanor Gilbert - Singing - Glenbrook - "Over You"

 

WINNERS' CIRCLE
Contestants:
Kayus Gros, 2011 1st Place Elem., Central Elem.
Alli Washburn, 2012 1st Place Elem., Glenbrook
Merideth Nelson, 2011 1st Place Middle, Glenbrook
Kara Bryce, 2012 1st Place Middle, Glenbrook
Brandon Ratcliff, 2011 1st Place HS, Glenbrook
Bria Wiese, 2012 1st Place HS, North Webster
“Most Talented School” –Glenbrook
“Most Supportive School” –Glenbrook
“Most Talented Student” –Bria Wiese, Springhill
Winner’s Circle Champion—Bria Wiese, Springhill
“Cultured Pearl” Scholarship Recipient—Brandon Ratcliff, Glenbrook
“Student Volunteers of the Year” –Marjorie Bailey, Lakeside and Justin Le,
Glenbrook
“Best Festival Themed Art” –Glenbrook Kindergarteners
------
Overall Best of Show Art—Marjorie Bailey, Lakeside
Overall Best of Show Poetry—Katherine Willis, Glenbrook
Overall Best of Show Crafts—Embeth Coyle, Glenbrook

SCHEDULE of EVENTS for ChickenStock 2012!

Click here to view the entire schedule of events for all four days of ChickenStock 2012!

SCHEDULE LINK.

CHICKEN STOCK 2012! Event list!

Festival goers will have the opportunity this Saturday to eat, feed and draw chickens at this the Chicken Stock, also known as the Spring Arts Festival.

“Chicken Stock is a festival for everyone from children to adults,” Chris Broussard said. “It's a perfect way for families to spend the day together, and great way for friends to hang out and have fun.”

The 18^th annual Spring Arts Festival will take place from 9 a.m. Until 7 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at The Farm, which is located on the corner of East Union and Talton Streets, across from Sav-A-Lot.

Saturday's event list is as follows:

The Great Talent Search- Students from across the parish will compete on stage for the coveted title of “Most Talented Student.” Between student performances, regional musicians and entertainment will perform.

Art for Children- Children’s hands on museum will have various art stations, including bug art and veggie prints. The Stations are designed to challenge imagination and creativity. No charge.

Children’s art,poetry,craft contest winners- Winning art entries will be on display. Students in grades K through 12 from across Webster parish entered the competition.

Arts & Craft Vendors- Various artisans will be selling wares on the historic four acre Farm.

Community Art Stations- Adults and young adults can help paint a mural that tells the story of the arts in Minden, watch noted artist Jay Marks complete his giant wire creation, or join Julie Tully and learn the art of clay building. Community art stations are free and will be open from 10am-5pm on Saturday.

“Painting for a Cause”-Sign up in advance to paint with artists Chris Broussard and John Cannon. Using acrylic paints and provided step by step instructions participants will take home their art. There is a $10 fee and participants must preregister.. All proceeds benefit the Farm of Cultural Crossroads.

The Blue House open house- Built in 1933, following a devastating tornado, the house is much like it was in the late thirties. Furnished with many of the original antiques owned by the Moess family, the house remembers an era when electricity was new, water was still pumped in through a cistern and television had not yet been invited.

The Thornton sisters in Paintings:The world’s oldest African American siblings were honored in 2010 by Guinness World Book of Records. Mattie Thornton Renfroe, Carrie Thornton Miller and Rose Thornton Warren were honored by students with a collection of original folk art paintings created by the fine arts class of Glenbrook. View the paintings and hear some of the stories of the Thornton sisters as told by their friends and relatives. Sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Church.

Admission to Saturday events is $5 for adults. All children and K-12 students are free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit Cultural Crossroads on the web at www.artsinminden.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/culturalcrossroadsofminden or call Chris Broussard at 318-393-5991.

Book and Film Debut

A Children's book written and illustrated by local children, as well as a short film, will be presented to the public at a reception to honor the students.

The book and film reception will be held at The Farm on Friday evening, April 27 at 7:30. The Farm of Cultural Crossroads is located on the corner of East Union and Talton Streets, across from Sav-A-Lot.

“Students made the most vibrant, beautiful illustrations for the cute story they wrote about the Thornton sisters,” said Chris Broussard.

The book, The Thorton Chicks, was made by Glenbrook 4^th and 6^th grade students and is a story about the Thorton sisters. A Guinness record is held by the sisters for having the highest combined age of three living siblings, which was 324 years old in 2009.

Kate Marvin signs off on The Thorton Chicks before it is sent to the publisher.

Last year’s Spring Arts Festival determined Glenbrook was the winner of Most Talented School contest, which is an annual contest to see what school has the most talented students.

The winner of Most Talented school is awarded an Arts In Education Project, called “We Want to be Authors”, which is worth $3,000. The Thorton Chicks is the fifth book to be published by students in Webster Parish, due to Spring Arts Festival and Cultural Crossroads.

Student authors will sign a copies of the book, which will be for sale for $10, during the reception, and afterwords a short film will be shown.

“This special film, which will be shown on The Farm’s big outdoor movie screen, is kicking off a new addition to next year's Spring Arts Festival.” Broussard said. “It was created by local students and will challenge other area students to create their own short film for entry into next year's film contest, which will be part of the Spring Arts Festival art contest.”

For more information about the reception, Spring Arts Festival or Cultural Crossroads visit their website at www.artsinminden.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/culturalcrossroadsofminden or call Chris Broussard at 318-393-5991.

Paint for a Cause at the Community Painting Party!

Adults and young-adults can have a good time at Chicken Stock during “Paint-for-a-Cause” , held at “The Community Paint Party” during Saturday's Chicken Stock.

John Cannon, Minster at First United Methodist Church, typically shares his art with family and friends by having pieces he has created displayed in his office and home.

“I love talking with people about their reactions to the works,” said Cannon, who feels the arts can positively affect people's lives.

“I believe the process of doing art and enjoying art of all varieties- visual, music, literary, ect- fosters creativity and deep thinking in all other aspects of life.”

Cannon became interested in art from an early age.

“My great grandmother was an artist, and when I was very young I ran across some of her old oil paints and started playing with the colors,” he said. “I have been hooked ever since.”

Approximately six years ago, Cannon started painting in on a more regular basis.

“I did some landscapes and portraits, but found I really enjoyed abstract works to experiment with color and texture,” he said.

Participants in Paint-for-a-Cause can register to paint with Cannon and create abstract pieces of art.

Broussard will show participants how to paint a “whimsical-folk-flower” or “funky chicken.”

“I started my own after-school enrichment for children some twenty years ago,” Broussard said. “In my effort to provide a nurturing and imaginative space for children, I also wanted to teach them the joys of creating works of art.”

Broussard has organized the 18 Chicken Stock, or Spring Arts Festivals, as well as running Cultural Crossroads as the chairman of the board.

“It's so important for everyone, children and adults alike, to have a creative outlet,” Broussard said.

The Community Paint Party cost $10 per session and will take place on Saturday, April 28.

Proceeds cover the cost of supplies and all proceeds will go to Cultural Crossroad's Chicken Stock festival.

To register call Jeri Bloxom at 318-299-3643 or email her at jubilantjeri@gmail.com

The schedule for the ninety minute art sessions are as follows:

9:30am-11:00pm John Cannon (abstract)

11:30am-1:00pm Chris Broussard (Zen Flower)

1:30pm-3:00pm John Cannon (abstract)

3:30pm-5:00pm Chris Broussard (Funky Chicken)

Daisy Girl Scout Troop 503 puts down roots at The Farm!

Daisy Girl Scout Troop 503 of Minden spent their money and their time contributing to the already existing 'food forest' at the Farm.

They spent the afternoon planting four apple trees. The four acre Farm known as the Moess Center for the Arts and City Farm had an established food forest. Decendents of the Moess Family planted several pecan, wild cherry, mulberry, and pear trees. These apple trees are a welcomed addition.

Farmer's Market Meeting Announced!

The growing season has started, which means Cultural Crossroad's Farmer's Market will be open soon and planning for the market is starting now.

A meeting for anyone interested in selling at or supporting our farmers market's fourth season is set for Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Farm located across from Save-A-Lot on the corner of Talton and East Union Streets.

Our main focus is to encourage and promote local growers. There are so many great things about farmer's markets, such as giving local people an opportunity to profit from their gardens or hobbies and bringing the community together to support one another.

The meeting is open to all vendors and growers of the past three seasons and we are hoping to gain additional members.

We are want to encourage anyone that is interested in either producing or selling produce to attend the meeting.

We also have a program for students- we really support the entrepreneurship of our young people!

Two years ago Cultural Crossroads Farmer's Market initiated a young entrepreneurs program that offered free vendor space to 4-H'ers and any student interested in selling their homemade, handmade or homespun goods or vegetables.

One example of the success of that program is 14-year-old Guy Twyman, who brought his homemade soaps to market. He became a market favorite! We hope to see more students like Guy this season.

The target date for opening this year is in May but the exact date and hours will be determined by the newly formed Farmers Market Council, which will be discussed at the Thursday meeting.

Call Pam Brunson at 371-9006 for more information on the Farmer's Market and to keep up with Farm and Cultural Crossroads events and meetings find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/culturalcrossroadsofminden

Community "Work" day was FUN!

Community Work Day 2012 the best Cultural Crossroads has ever had! In addition to public officials and business support, over 50 volunteers came out to help the Farm and Cultural Crossroads, during our annual spring cleaning event.

We strive to unite the community through the arts, and the community showed us they support that mission by showing up with smiles and work gloves. We are so very appreciative of our volunteers and our supporters!

Volunteers included Piney Hills Master Gardeners, Girl Scout Troop 1327, church groups, Glenbrook students, families and individuals.

James Madden of Madden Contracting repaired the parking lot and Police Juror Jerri Lee brought snacks and cake for volunteers.

The Farm looks amazing thanks to everyone’s hard work- although it doesn't really feel like work when the volunteers have so much fun! Everyone, especially the children, love to paint murals around the farm- which is a coveted "chore" each year.

Other chores completed included the planting of several gardens, weeded beds, painted props, and others.

There is a not only a job for everyone at the Farm, but there is also a place. The Farm is for the whole community and it was wonderful to see so much support from volunteers across the community. We cant say thank you enough!

Now the Farm is ready for the line up of spring events including, the Young Women's Service Club Community Easter Egg Hunt, The Piney Hills Trails to Trellis Garden Tours and ChickenStock.

You can stay informed about all the happenings at the Farm and with Cultural Crossroads by following the blog, bookmarking our website and liking us on Facebook!