“Festival Announces Official 2015 Visual Artist,” KATC

TroyDugasvia katc.com

Festival International de Louisiane has announced their official 2015 visual artist.

Festival officials say, Troy Dugas has created a piece that captures the spirit and tradition of the nation’s largest, free Francophone festival.

“When looking for this year’s visual artist, we came across Troy Dugas. Seeing his work was directly in-line with what we wanted to bring to the 29th annual Festival.” Says Tucker Sappington, Festival International’s President of the Board.

Dugas design will serve as the inspiration for the official Festival poster and cloisonné pin.

“I encountered a piece of Troy’s work last fall in the KRVS Studios on the UL Campus and it stopped me in my tracks.” says Missy Paschke-Wood, Executive Director of Festival International de Louisiane. “I couldn’t be more tickled he agreed to be the Official Artist for the 29th Festival. His piece is everything we could have hoped for” Paschke-Wood adds.

Dugas’ work consists of collages made from vintage product labels purchased in unused bundles. The material is cut or shredded then arranged onto flat surfaces (paper, canvas, or wood) to produce artwork that appear woven.

Festival officials say the Festival piece features rich, colorful labels from okra, corn, rum, Belgium vegetables that incorporate the word “international”, French style green beans, and French liquors – all elements that tie in the French cultural heritage of Acadiana. “I pretty much decided what I was going to do after our initial meeting” says Dugas.

The completed artwork will be unveiled and on display at the Acadiana Center for the Arts during the November 8th ArtWalk.