Nestled in the piney hills of north central Louisiana is one of the state's oldest parishes. Claiborne Parish, founded in 1828, was named for the first American governor of Louisiana, William Claiborne. This mainly rural parish has at its center an impressive antebellum style courthouse, which serves as a symbol of its rich and varied historical past. This historical legacy, which was once the binding force of the parish, has slowly fractured throughout the years as a result of the economic slump and the forces of globalization.
Even though, the once bustling town square has eroded to one that encompasses many empty storefronts, there is an underlying creative force that seems hidden amidst the distractions that face the public today. The distractions, which range from busy lifestyles to 20th century media diversions, have captured the attention of the community and hindered them from recognizing the treasures that hide, literally, in their own backyards. These treasures have been labeled hidden arts, and defined by the R. T. S in their report - Arts, Culture, and Design in Rural North Carolina - as overlooked creative endeavors found within a community from people or groups of people who are not normally considered artists
This community that once encouraged others to drive in and stay awhile has become one in which people just drive by, which leaves any artistic endeavor located there, unnoticed, unappreciated, and unused. By revealing the hidden forces that lurk within a community such as this we can expose factors that create new connections between residents. This kind of exposure to the arts may also lead to developing a community that is more engaged and participatory in the creative life of the region.
Hopefully, this website can break through some of the clutter that distracts them from noticing what can be found right outside their own backdoor.
Click here for a Map of Claiborne Parish
Even though, the once bustling town square has eroded to one that encompasses many empty storefronts, there is an underlying creative force that seems hidden amidst the distractions that face the public today. The distractions, which range from busy lifestyles to 20th century media diversions, have captured the attention of the community and hindered them from recognizing the treasures that hide, literally, in their own backyards. These treasures have been labeled hidden arts, and defined by the R. T. S in their report - Arts, Culture, and Design in Rural North Carolina - as overlooked creative endeavors found within a community from people or groups of people who are not normally considered artists
This community that once encouraged others to drive in and stay awhile has become one in which people just drive by, which leaves any artistic endeavor located there, unnoticed, unappreciated, and unused. By revealing the hidden forces that lurk within a community such as this we can expose factors that create new connections between residents. This kind of exposure to the arts may also lead to developing a community that is more engaged and participatory in the creative life of the region.
Hopefully, this website can break through some of the clutter that distracts them from noticing what can be found right outside their own backdoor.
Click here for a Map of Claiborne Parish