New Opelousas Public Art Billboard
From Lamar Advertising of Lafayette Facebook
OPELOUSAS, La. (press release) – A new Opelousas public art billboard, an Opelousas Museum project, will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, at 10 a.m.
Over the course of one year, photos by four residents will be featured on the Opelousas public art billboard on I-49. The first image, which will be unveiled on May 19, is by Florence Freeman.
Florence Freeman’s photo, “Joe Doing What He Loves Best,” features her husband giving a haircut to a customer. Organizers share that the gaze of the subjects serves as an invitation to step inside this precious moment in time. The image will remain until the end of July, when a new image will be displayed.
Life-long Opelousas resident Florence Freeman is married with two beautiful daughters. After years of service for the City of Opelousas, she retired six years ago. Freeman was inspired to submit the photo of Joe Freeman’s Beauty and Barber Salon to honor this 30-year-old institution.
According to Freeman, preserving these images not only pays tribute to the barbershop’s legacy, but also serves as a gift to future barbers, family and the community for generations to come.
The Opelousas Museum encourages the community to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project and Freeman’s photo in the parking lot of Sonny’s Audio at 5407 Interstate 49 South Service Rd.
Opelousas Public Art Billboard: “Thinking Big”
“Thinking Big,” a public art project of the Opelousas Museum, strives to magnify and uplift community art to a regional scale. This is done by transforming and showcasing images from the Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods community photo exhibit.
Three outstanding photos were chosen by a panel of professional artists, with the other selected by popular vote. Selected images are by Florence Freeman, Bruce Alsandor, Hernet Hill and Lisa Lewis.
Organizers share that the public art billboard will amplify striking beauty in everyday moments, highlight the artistry of Opelousas residents and encourage passersby to take the Opelousas exit to visit local sights, including the Opelousas Museum.
The billboard sits on the east side of I49 between Judson Walsh Rd. and Creswell Ln., visible to drivers heading from Grand Coteau toward Opelousas on the left.
Thinking Big is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism. The project also receives support from the St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission and the City of Opelousas.
The ribbon-cutting is made possible through the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact Patrice Melnick at 337-948-2589, museum@cityofopelousas.com
