PARC Village Art Gallery

  • Art Gallery

    PARC Village provides the opportunity for visual artists and creatives with a mixture of designs, and diverse style, to exhibit their works in our Exhibit Room and Exhibit Hall.

    The goals of the PARC Village Art Gallery is to promote conversation between artists and the community , and to provide an educational arts forum dedicated to leading-edge programming and artistic excellence for the Lafayette Community.

  • Events and Workshops

    Our PARC Village exhibit room will be used to host many events open to the public including coffee and conversations, art night, book signings, workshops and special events.

    Our PARC Village Art Gallery is available for booking parties, corporate events, special occasions, and more.

  • Showcase Your Work

    The PARC Village Gallery seeks artworks that enrich both artist and community by launching dialogue and connection. These works should exhibit a distinctive image and original voice, quality artistry, and should be diverse and accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Both traditional and contemporary art styles are accepted.

    We except works from visual artist, photographers, and creatives.

Meet Our Current Exhibit Artists

 
 
 
 

Georges Valris - Haitian Artist

Born in Cavaillon and educated in nearby Les Cayes, Georges Valris embarked on a creative journey that would make him one of Haiti's most influential folk artists. His early career included work on a cruise ship, which exposed him to international cultures and perspectives. Upon returning to Port-au-Prince in 1988, Valris established a workshop crafting functional objects from straw and sisal.

Driven by the need to support his growing family, Georges transitioned to sequin arts, where he developed a distinctive style that redefined the traditional genre. Over time, he became a revered master of Vodou flag artistry, intertwining traditional symbols, historical narratives, and spiritual themes into his intricate designs. His influence extends beyond his work, as several of his children have followed in his footsteps, preserving and evolving Haitian artistic traditions.

Early in his career, Georges formed a close friendship with Louisiana artist Tina Girouard through her atelier in Port-au-Prince. Together with a group of sequin art masters, they inspired Girouard's seminal book, Sequin Artists of Haiti. Their collaborative works have been widely exhibited across the United States, solidifying Valris' reputation as a leading figure in Haitian folk art.

In 2022, Georges' work was featured in the groundbreaking exhibition Afro-Atlantic Histories at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. This prestigious exhibit explored the historical experiences and cultural contributions of Black and African people since the 17th century, further cementing Valris' legacy as a visionary artist and cultural ambassador.


 
 
 
 

Valentin Valris - Haitian Artist

Valentin Valris creates extraordinary sequin designs that merge meticulous craftsmanship with modernist aesthetics, bringing complex, imaginative imagery to life. Recognized as one of the most significant Haitian artists of his generation, Valentin’s work bridges tradition and innovation in remarkable ways.

Artist's Statement: "My work is deeply rooted in African animist belief systems as expressed through Haiti's rich Vodou cultural traditions. While Vodou is often misunderstood, my artistic practice within the Vodou flag tradition seeks to illuminate our culture and history. Trained by my father, the renowned artist Georges Valris, I have developed a distinctive style that intertwines traditional symbols, historical narratives, and depictions of significant saints and figures. Each piece is intricately designed and painstakingly beaded to achieve a shimmering, evocative effect, reflecting both the spiritual depth and artistic richness of our heritage."