In 2016, as the founder and chair of Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition, I initiated a local event in support of artists and arts organizations, “Shop Local Artists Weekend,” showcasing local artists, authors and community theatres.

Following the success of that event, my goal was to broaden the effort to a statewide initiative. I penned a proposed resolution and presented to LA Senator Sharon Hewitt, who enlisted the support of State Representative Greg Cromer. Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 passed without opposition, resulting in Louisiana’s Shop Local Artists Week. Communities and arts organizations throughout the state orchestrated festivals, art markets, performing arts events, literary events and more in celebration of the new initiative. Among the events I produced, with a team of volunteers, was St. Tammany’s Holiday Festival of Arts.

In 2018, I reached out to Americans with the Arts requesting national support of the effort. The nation’s foremost arts advocacy organization embraced the Shop Local Artists Week model, and in October, Americans for the Arts’ National Shop Local Artists Week was announced.

My work for this initiative included logo designs for the Shop Local Artists Week event, Holiday Festival of Arts and State of the Arts luncheon, all publications and marketing collateral, plus a blog post and webinar for Americans for the Arts.