Mixed Media Exhibit Opens at George Dunbar Gallery Featuring Artists from Across the Gulf South

Artists, their families and friends, and members of the community gathered at the George Dunbar Gallery on Friday, May 8, for the opening reception of Mixed Media, an annual juried exhibition showcasing artwork created with two or more mediums.

This year’s juror, Nina Dunbar, had the difficult task of curating the show from 120 entries submitted by artists across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Due to gallery space limitations, roughly 70 percent of the entries could not be accepted for display, making the final selection highly competitive.

“Congratulations to all the artists! The talent on display in this gallery is outstanding!” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I would like to thank Nina Dunbar for serving as our juror, and I’d also like to encourage all of our residents and visitors to come view the exhibit.”

Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate, served as the juror for this year’s exhibit. The daughter of George Dunbar, she holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

This year’s exhibit features artwork by Connie Born, Dean Born, Carolyn Busenlener, Mary Christopher, Moira Crone, Tanya DiMaggio, Kaylin Duong, Stacey Farrell, Charles Gudaitis, Gene Guidry, Carol Hutcherson, Linda Lawrence, Christin Margaret (Zelenka), Laya Marie, Hannah Marks, Shayla Matthews, Lil Range, Lionel Reese Jr., Elvira Rizaeva, Joey Roberts, Mia Simmons, Kevin Walgamotte, John Wax, J.R. Welch, and Colleen Wright.

Congratulations to our winners:

• 1st Place: Charles Gudaitis – “Castings (3D Painting No. 29)”
• 2nd Place: Dean Born – “All Things in Balance”
• 3rd Place: Kaylin Duong – “Grandparents Garden”

Honorable Mentions:

• Tanya DiMaggio – “Leica” and “Yellow Tulips I”
• Kaylin Duong – “Grandma’s Kitchen”
• Carol Hutcherson – “Pollution”
• Joey Roberts – “Maji Safi”

Mixed Media is currently on display at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center, located at 2055 Second Street inside City Hall, through June 25. Admission is free.

Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.

Please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule your visit. Same-day appointments are usually available.