Members & Artists Opening Reception
The Artists' Alliance
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Prior to ArtWalk)
Acadiana Center for the Arts | Main Gallery
Get your September ArtWalk started by being one of the first to experience the fall transformation of AcA's Main Gallery Exhibition into the Artists' Alliance. This opening reception is free for all AcA members and their guests. Stop by between 4 - 6 PM to enjoy complimentary beverages while browsing through artwork and experiences that will take you back in time (and stick around for the official unveiling of the 2026 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles poster while viewing a gallery of festival posters from years past).
Drawing heavily on the archives of the late artist group, the Artists’ Alliance, will mount a retrospective that showcases the work of this enigmatic and influential group of artists. This exhibition will reimagine what it was like to be there in person, in the historic Lafayette Hardware Store in the years 1986-1999. Through archives, artworks, and immersive installation, the AcA Main Gallery will be an environment designed for viewers to soak up the the energy of this dynamic group of artists.
Exhibiting Artists:
Hardy Allbritton, David Alpha, John Arceneaux, Mark Bercier, Amy Bonwell, Steve Breaux, Bonnie Camos, Robert Dafford, Edmond deBoisblanc, Edward deMahy, Wayne Ditch, Kathy Dumesnil, Kate Ferry, Michael Flaherty, Lynda Frese, Kent G. Hutslar, John Geldersma, Dan Girouard, Tina Girouard, John Hathorn, Gary Hernandez, Allan Jones, Dutch Kepler, Charles Kimball Jr., Randall LaBry, Tom Ladousa, Dickie Landry, Mary Ellen Leger, James Lyons, Mare Martin (Mary Martin Allbritton), Craig McCullen, Herman Mhire, Elemore Morgan Jr., Mary Morgan, Tanya Nehrbass Schulze, Francis X. Pavy, Jesse Poimboeuf, Kathy Reed, Tom Secrest, Deborah Simeral, John Slaughter, Paula Stude, Doug Stutes, Linda Trappey Dautreuil, Cissy Whipp
The Artists' Alliance exhibition has received special support from the following host committee members, Tiffa & Kerry Boutte, Vicki L. Chrisman, Mitzi & Andrew Duhon, Kiki Frayard, Roxanne & George Graham, Kelli & Henry Kaufman, Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel, and Michael D. Soileau & Thomas Ude, Jr.
Don't miss your chance to meet the artists! Step into the gallery to chat with the exhibiting artists, discover their creative processes, and share your own perspectives on the show.
While RSVPing above is not required to attend, we encourage it to help us prepare for an exciting evening.
By attending and supporting this exhibition, you strengthen Acadiana’s visual arts community. If you feel inspired to financially support this exhibition or our visual arts programming beyond your membership, please contact AcA Development Manager, Allison, for more information.
It will be a great fall exhibition opening and we look forward to welcoming you through the door into the Artists' Alliance.
Our mission is fostering art and culture in Acadiana.
Founded in 1975, Acadiana Center for the Arts (“AcA”) is a community-supported nonprofit organization that fosters art and culture in Acadiana. Since its founding, AcA has developed as a major force, shaping the future of public education and community development in South Louisiana.
AcA supports the creation of new works of art, exhibits, festivals, performances, and public art across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.
AcA aims to bring equitable access to the arts and supports fair compensation of artists. On average, AcA serves over 300,000 people annually and provides fair compensation to 2,700 artists.
In 2013, the AcA merged with the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (“PASA”), whose mission was to educate, inspire, entertain, and culturally enrich the people of south Louisiana by providing local access to a diverse range of the performing arts. This merger supported the vision of both organizations and provided much-needed support to PASA’s programs. Founded in 1989, PASA served as a leading voice in the performing arts in South Louisiana for close to three decades.
Find more Acadiana Center for the Arts Events
