Opening set for March 13 -
Union Museum plans move to new location
Union Museum of History and Art board of directors announces that it will move to a new location this month, and will expand the museum’s services. Grand opening will be Friday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Union Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the museum at 12 noon. The gala also will feature the opening of the "For the Love of Horses" exhibit (see below) which will run through April 24.
The museum has resided inside the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce building in Farmerville since opening its doors late in 2014. The new home will be a block away in a former bank building located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. The facility offers more space for exhibits and activities, a room for classes and meetings, rooms for research and preservation of historical items, space for a gift shop, and an ample parking lot. The building’s owner is generously offering the facility rent-free; the museum will be responsible for utilities.
Museum board member Tom “Tuffy” Fields, who has led the strategic planning leading up to the board’s decision, is enthusiastic about the move. “I am ecstatic about the possibilities that will be open to us. We can build permanent collections of artifacts that hold stories about the people of Union Parish, as well as continue with rotating exhibits that draw in repeat visitors.” He notes the board’s special interest in building a collection of artifacts from ancient indigenous people that inhabited North-Central Louisiana.
“We thought long and hard before making this decision to move,” says board member Jean Jones. “The Chamber of Commerce launched the museum organization more than five years ago, and has provided a fine, comfortable space for it during this time. We will always remember with deep gratitude the Chamber’s support and hospitality. In the end, though, we felt the museum board should determine how we could best serve our community long into the future. We are confident this step will do just that. ”
Union Museum plans move to new location
Union Museum of History and Art board of directors announces that it will move to a new location this month, and will expand the museum’s services. Grand opening will be Friday, March 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Union Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the museum at 12 noon. The gala also will feature the opening of the "For the Love of Horses" exhibit (see below) which will run through April 24.
The museum has resided inside the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce building in Farmerville since opening its doors late in 2014. The new home will be a block away in a former bank building located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. The facility offers more space for exhibits and activities, a room for classes and meetings, rooms for research and preservation of historical items, space for a gift shop, and an ample parking lot. The building’s owner is generously offering the facility rent-free; the museum will be responsible for utilities.
Museum board member Tom “Tuffy” Fields, who has led the strategic planning leading up to the board’s decision, is enthusiastic about the move. “I am ecstatic about the possibilities that will be open to us. We can build permanent collections of artifacts that hold stories about the people of Union Parish, as well as continue with rotating exhibits that draw in repeat visitors.” He notes the board’s special interest in building a collection of artifacts from ancient indigenous people that inhabited North-Central Louisiana.
“We thought long and hard before making this decision to move,” says board member Jean Jones. “The Chamber of Commerce launched the museum organization more than five years ago, and has provided a fine, comfortable space for it during this time. We will always remember with deep gratitude the Chamber’s support and hospitality. In the end, though, we felt the museum board should determine how we could best serve our community long into the future. We are confident this step will do just that. ”
"For the Love of Horses" exhibit set in Museum Mar. 13 - April 24
Union Museum of History and Art will feature a colorful array of equine art and photos in its exhibit, "For the Love of Horses" opening Friday, March 13 (our lucky day!!), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will hold lots of refreshments and festivities (all day) and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting (12 noon). Come see wildly colorful paintings by Hooshang, a Ruston-based artist of world renown, and photographs of horses at Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farm in Spearsville. (photos by Ashley Dison). The exhibit will be up through April 24.
That day will also mark the opening of the museum in its new location at 211 N. Main St. (corner Franklin St.)
We are currently seeking corporate sponsors of the exhibit and all its associated events.
Do you have an idea for speakers or workshops? Just let us know at 318.348.2005.
Union Museum of History and Art will feature a colorful array of equine art and photos in its exhibit, "For the Love of Horses" opening Friday, March 13 (our lucky day!!), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will hold lots of refreshments and festivities (all day) and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting (12 noon). Come see wildly colorful paintings by Hooshang, a Ruston-based artist of world renown, and photographs of horses at Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farm in Spearsville. (photos by Ashley Dison). The exhibit will be up through April 24.
That day will also mark the opening of the museum in its new location at 211 N. Main St. (corner Franklin St.)
We are currently seeking corporate sponsors of the exhibit and all its associated events.
Do you have an idea for speakers or workshops? Just let us know at 318.348.2005.
Celtic music concert set for March 17
Union Arts Council and the Union Museum of History and Art are jointly presenting a lunchtime concert of Celtic music on Tuesday, March 17, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the museum, 211 N. Main St., Farmerville. Featured performers will be the Emerald Accent band from Laurel, Mississippi. Composed of four musicians, the band specializes in music from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Admission to the concert is free. Lunch will be available for donations.
Union Arts Council and the Union Museum of History and Art are jointly presenting a lunchtime concert of Celtic music on Tuesday, March 17, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the museum, 211 N. Main St., Farmerville. Featured performers will be the Emerald Accent band from Laurel, Mississippi. Composed of four musicians, the band specializes in music from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Admission to the concert is free. Lunch will be available for donations.
Don Cincone discusses his life and art at ULM in 2013. Photo courtesy the Hawkeye.
Great memories: The exhibit of art by Don Cincone
Union Museum of History and Art presented an exhibit of 30 spectacular works by internationally known African-American artist Don Cincone the month of January, 2020.
Born in Alto, Louisiana, in 1936, he currently resides in Monroe and has close family ties in the Marion area. Cincone has traveled worldwide to study and exhibit his art in studios and museums, and was awarded the Silver Medal of literary arts and Sciences in Rome in 1968. He was commissioned by Universal Studios to do 85 paintings for the 1965 movie “The Art of Love” which starred James Garner, Elke Sommers, Dick Van Dyke and Angie Dickinson. His art has been included in the collections of such notables as Walt Disney, Henri Mancini, Ross Hunter, Leonard Bernstein and Edward G. Robinson.
Union Museum of History and Art presented an exhibit of 30 spectacular works by internationally known African-American artist Don Cincone the month of January, 2020.
Born in Alto, Louisiana, in 1936, he currently resides in Monroe and has close family ties in the Marion area. Cincone has traveled worldwide to study and exhibit his art in studios and museums, and was awarded the Silver Medal of literary arts and Sciences in Rome in 1968. He was commissioned by Universal Studios to do 85 paintings for the 1965 movie “The Art of Love” which starred James Garner, Elke Sommers, Dick Van Dyke and Angie Dickinson. His art has been included in the collections of such notables as Walt Disney, Henri Mancini, Ross Hunter, Leonard Bernstein and Edward G. Robinson.
Thanks to the Walmart Foundation for underwriting the Don Cincone art exhibit |
Local Walmart manager Rachel Akrong (right) and assistant manager Sue Phillips chat with artist Don Cincone at the grand opening reception on Jan. 7 in the museum.
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Twelve of the 19 honorees were able to be present for the "Defenders of Freedom" ceremony on June 17. They are shown here, along with several event planners and participants. Each honoree was presented with a medal and certificate of appreciation. ( Photo courtesy Annie Sharp Berry)
"Defenders of Freedom" ceremony honors WWII vets
It was an afternoon of remembrance, gratitude, and praise as 19 local World War II veterans were honored for their service with a special ceremony that also officially opened the "Pelican State Goes to War" exhibit in the Union Museum. Stars of the occasion on June 17, 2019, were military veterans Russell Adams, Norwood Albritton, Willis Andrews, C.C. Bayles, Jr., John Grady Culpepper, James Hubert Franklin, Richard Jones, L.B. Knighton, L.J. Laster, Harry Maroney, James M. Newsom, Billy Ross O'Bannon, Raymond Odom, Jim Pardue, Jack Edsel Peppers, M.O. Porter, Jack Taylor, James Wilbur Upshaw; and munitions factory veteran Dorothy Golden Smith. Each honoree received a Defender of Freedom medal and certificate of appreciation. The setting for the ceremony was the lobby of Origin Bank, which was filled with some 100 family, friends and community leaders eager to honor the veterans who gave so much for their country during the perilous times of World War II.
Speaking about each honoree's service were Jerry W. Taylor, Union Parish Police Jury president; M. Stein Baughman, Jr., Town of Farmerville mayor; Jay Snell, Marion State Bank; and Tim Tettleton, Origin Bank. Emcee was Brittany Unkel, Union Museum of History and Art board chair.
A vast array of beautifully presented refreshments was ably provided by Women for Veterans, auxiliary of the local VFW post.
It was an afternoon of remembrance, gratitude, and praise as 19 local World War II veterans were honored for their service with a special ceremony that also officially opened the "Pelican State Goes to War" exhibit in the Union Museum. Stars of the occasion on June 17, 2019, were military veterans Russell Adams, Norwood Albritton, Willis Andrews, C.C. Bayles, Jr., John Grady Culpepper, James Hubert Franklin, Richard Jones, L.B. Knighton, L.J. Laster, Harry Maroney, James M. Newsom, Billy Ross O'Bannon, Raymond Odom, Jim Pardue, Jack Edsel Peppers, M.O. Porter, Jack Taylor, James Wilbur Upshaw; and munitions factory veteran Dorothy Golden Smith. Each honoree received a Defender of Freedom medal and certificate of appreciation. The setting for the ceremony was the lobby of Origin Bank, which was filled with some 100 family, friends and community leaders eager to honor the veterans who gave so much for their country during the perilous times of World War II.
Speaking about each honoree's service were Jerry W. Taylor, Union Parish Police Jury president; M. Stein Baughman, Jr., Town of Farmerville mayor; Jay Snell, Marion State Bank; and Tim Tettleton, Origin Bank. Emcee was Brittany Unkel, Union Museum of History and Art board chair.
A vast array of beautifully presented refreshments was ably provided by Women for Veterans, auxiliary of the local VFW post.
One year ago: Art installation dedicated in Farmerville
The "Fishing Fantasy" art installation designed by local mosaic artist Jamie Anderson was unveiled and publicly dedicated Friday, Dec. 28, at its location on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse in Farmerville. The Union Museum of History and Art led the project as a gift to the community. Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum and Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr. spoke briefly during the dedication ceremonies, emceed by museum board chairman Brittany Unkel.
The seven-foot tall concrete sculpture is sheathed in colorful glass pieces and depicts rippling blue waters, many-hued fish, and abundant sunshine so beloved in Union Parish.
The museum board is grateful to Anderson and others who made this project possible: the Union Parish Police Jury; James Gatson, concrete contractor; Brooke Foy, public art consultant; and all donors who purchased commemorative bricks.
This project was supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
The "Fishing Fantasy" art installation designed by local mosaic artist Jamie Anderson was unveiled and publicly dedicated Friday, Dec. 28, at its location on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse in Farmerville. The Union Museum of History and Art led the project as a gift to the community. Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum and Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr. spoke briefly during the dedication ceremonies, emceed by museum board chairman Brittany Unkel.
The seven-foot tall concrete sculpture is sheathed in colorful glass pieces and depicts rippling blue waters, many-hued fish, and abundant sunshine so beloved in Union Parish.
The museum board is grateful to Anderson and others who made this project possible: the Union Parish Police Jury; James Gatson, concrete contractor; Brooke Foy, public art consultant; and all donors who purchased commemorative bricks.
This project was supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
Artist Jamie Anderson, creator of the "Fishing Fantasy" sculpture, accepts a bouquet of flowers at the dedication Friday, Dec. 28
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Dedication ceremonies were emceed by Brittany Unkel (right), chairman of the Board of Directors, Union Museum of History and Art. Speaking briefly were Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum (left), Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr., and artist Jamie Anderson.
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The newly installed "Fishing Fantasy" sculpture is located on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse. The project was supported by 55 individuals and organizations who purchased commemorative bricks, and by a state arts grant.
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Union Museum of History and Art gratefully acknowledges arts grants
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
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"First Friends" of the Museum
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA - architectural rendering
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John and Alana Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Museum is forever indebted to the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, which began the museum idea as a special study project in 2011. The Chamber's Board of Directors enabled the concept to become a reality, and today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA - architectural rendering
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John and Alana Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Museum is forever indebted to the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, which began the museum idea as a special study project in 2011. The Chamber's Board of Directors enabled the concept to become a reality, and today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
