07/11/2026
A New Chapter for the Lafayette Art Association
Dear Members, Friends, and Supporters of the Lafayette Art Association,
For more than six decades, the Lafayette Art Association has been a place where artists have gathered to learn, create, exhibit, encourage one another, and share the joy of art with our community. While the places we have called home have changed over the years, our purpose has remained beautifully constant.
Today, we are excited to begin a new chapter.
As we transition from our Auburn Avenue location, we are embracing a model that many successful arts organizations across the country have adoptedโone that focuses less on maintaining a building and more on bringing art directly into the community.
Rather than being defined by a single address, we envision the Lafayette Art Association becoming an organization that can be found throughout Acadiana. Imagine art exhibitions in local businesses, educational programs at libraries, creative workshops at community centers, collaborations with museums and schools, demonstrations at festivals, and opportunities to share art in places where people naturally gather.
This approach allows us to invest more of our energy and resources where they matter most: supporting artists, providing educational opportunities, encouraging creativity, and building meaningful partnerships throughout our community.
Many thriving arts organizations operate successfully without a permanent building. They grow through collaboration, volunteerism, and strong community relationships. They bring art to people instead of waiting for people to come to them. We believe this is an exciting opportunity for the Lafayette Art Association to do the same.
Our mission remains unchanged:
The Lafayette Art Association & Gallery is dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and supporting the visual arts in Acadiana. By providing exhibition opportunities, educational workshops, and community events, LAA champions local artists while enriching the cultural spirit of our community.
That mission has never depended on a building. It depends on people.
We are grateful for the overwhelming support shown at our recent Membership and Community Meeting, where nearly 50 members, artists, and friends gathered to hear about this exciting new direction. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the evening was filled with enthusiasm, thoughtful discussion, and a shared belief in the future of the Lafayette Art Association.
Those in attendance were invited to share their ideasโnot only for the months immediately ahead, but also for shaping our organization throughout 2027 and beyond. Their creativity, encouragement, and willingness to become active participants reaffirmed what has always been the heart of LAA: our members.
As we move forward, your ideas, talents, and enthusiasm remain more important than ever. Whether you are an exhibiting artist, a teacher, a volunteer, a student, a collector, or someone who simply appreciates the arts, there is a place for you in this exciting future. We will continue gathering ideas and creating opportunities for everyone to become involved as we write the next chapter of our Association together.
Although July 31 marks our final day at our Auburn Avenue location, it is not an endingโit is a beginning. Like a well-loved perennial moved to richer soil, we believe the Lafayette Art Association will continue to grow, bloom, and flourish in new and wonderful ways.
Thank you for believing in the power of art, for supporting local artists, and for being part of our story. We are excited to continue this journey with you.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with me at [email protected]
With appreciation and optimism,
Cathy Mills
President
Lafayette Art Association
