This week's Art Talk Monday is written by Jennifer Downs, NCLAC technical writing intern and English Master's Candidate from Louisiana Tech University. Spring is finally here! The North Central Louisiana Arts Council is happy to announce that the Ruston Garden Club will be presenting the Jolis Jardins garden tour again this year from 9:30-2:30 on Saturday, April 27. The tour will feature lovely gardens at three area homes, as well as vendors with hand-crafted jewelry and other trinkets, repurposed items, and specialty herbs. You are invited to roam as you please from garden to garden, and we encourage you to visit our artisans’ displays as well!
Artisans will be displaying their work at Ruston Convention Center and the Lincoln Parish Visitors Bureau. We are pleased to introduce the following artisans from across the north central Louisiana region whose work will be on sale during the tour: Christine Drieling, Swirling Swirls, with her handmade ornaments; Carolyn Broome, Celebrations, with her collectible dolls; Wanda Anglin and Mary Jane Van Zandt, Potting Shed Art, with repurposed glass mosaic windows; Allen Tuten with custom birdhouses, John Adam McWilliams, The Iron Scotsman, with furniture and decor of repurposed wood and iron; Kathy and Paul Smith, Garden Delights, with imaginative garden art and metalwork; and Rachel Johnston, Woolgypsy Fiber Arts/Gypsy Soapworks, with knitted/felt wool items and skincare products like homemade soaps. Buford Shively of Gainsville Herb Co. in Dodson will also be selling a variety of herb plants from his own farm and offering advice on how to start your own herb garden! This is a wonderful opportunity for local crafters and artists to share their work and celebrate the spring season.
In addition, regional Master Gardeners will be showing their amazing work to the public, and they will have a huge sale of some of the rare and beautiful plants that they have cultivated. The Louisiana Master Gardener program is an educational outreach program by the LSU AgCenter. Whether you are a beginner or a gifted gardener with a “green thumb,” this showcase is truly a unique opportunity for local growers to learn from the masters.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at three locations in Ruston: the Lincoln Parish Visitors Bureau at 2111 N Trenton St, Twin Oaks at 630 E Georgia St, and the Townsend House at 410 N Bonner St. You can also purchase a ticket at any of the garden locations during the tour. Proceeds will help fund future projects and activities to enrich our community, including the Ruston Garden Club’s yearly scholarship offered to a well-deserving Louisiana Tech University student who is majoring in plant sciences. Come and join us as we celebrate our local gardens, gardeners, and talented artisans!