Art Matters Gala

The board of directors of the Teche Center for the Arts (TCA) is hosting its first major fundrasier “Art Matters” on Friday, Sept. 16, in the Glass Room at Buck & Johnny’s.
The event, a cocktail party with some artsy entertainment and a silent auction, will include a brief program led by emcees Sen. Fred Mills, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle and architect Glenn Angelle.
Proceeds will benefit the ongoing programs held at the TCA and 10 percent of the ticket sales will be donated to help St. Martin Parish flood victims. For information about the gala contact Jennifer Angelle at Jennifer@angelle.com or Beth Guidroz at info@techetcenterforthe arts.com.
This summer Teche Center for the Arts sponsored a series of summer camps for children ages 7 - 14:
•Makers Design Class taught by Brandy Guidry Aubé, 12 students learned the basics of progressive design from beginning to the end.
•Cajun Cooking with Georgie Blanchard. Eat what you cook was the theme, eight students were taught how to make a roux, chicken and sausage gumbo and sticky chicken with most of the ingredients coming from Blanchard’s farm.
•Theatre Camp, two sessions (40 students), taught by Jamie Monette experienced a week-filled with adventure in the world of drama and musical theater.
•Robotics Innovation & Design in coordination with Douglas Williams Ph.D, director of center for innovative learning and assessment technologies at UL of Lafayette. Twelve students were provided with 21st century skills and knowledge through hands on experiences in coding, robotics, innovative design and collaboration in a fun, interactive learning environment.
•Cajun French, a week long class teaching 18 students the basics of Cajun French that included speaking the language, dancing, cooking history and traditions of the Cajun culture. Jane Labbie, teacher.
•Hooked Up Fishing Basics and Mechanics, Craig Olivier, fisherman and fishing rod builder, taught 11 students fishing techniques.
•Poetry and Book readings debuting a new book “Deed to my Bone,” by Bernard Pearce was held Aug. 25.
•Travis Matte, Jamie Bearb, Jason Bergeron and Brazos Huval conducted the first in a series of Tuesday night concerts. A hour of triple fiddles, accordions and guitar entertained locals.
There are also events for adults, on the first Monday of the month at the TCA office, 5 p.m. a French Table for adults is held. Experience an hour of stimulating French conversation.
A concert by the local all-girl group Sweet Cecilia will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m., proceeds to benefit the TCA theater revitalization project.
Dates for the 2016 Treble on the Teche, a three-day arts, culture and music camp, will be Nov. 21-23.
The Teche Center for the Arts (TCA) is a multifaceted facility to serve as the cultural, arts, music, educational and historical center. It is located in downtown Breaux Bridge in what used to house the old Murph Theater and before that the Jeff Theater. TCA’s mission statement is a “culture in action” through five dimensions: dancing and playing MUSIC, creating ART, remembering and honoring HISTORY, laughing, living and loving CAJUN/CREOLE CULTURE and learning through innovative EDUCATION.
A board was established in 2014, along with a $50,000 donation by local individuals and the entity was granted non-profit status.
Serving on the board of directors are Beth Guidroz, executive director; Rhonda deJesus, treasurer; Chad Theriot at-large member; Bart Hebert, Brazos Huval, Coatney Raymond, chairman; Dona Richard, advisory board; Jennifer Angelle, Glenn E. Angelle, ex-officio trustee; Georgie Blanchard, Beth Guidry, Pat Menard, Sheila Landry, Lynda Price, secretary; and Carl Brazell, vice-chair; and Susan Brazell.
Fundraising has begun in the form of a Bricks campaign, in which engraved commemorative bricks for the courtyard are being sold for $135, the goal is $135,000.
Sponsorship from local businesses and individuals are available.
For more information visit www.TecheCenterForTheArts.com.