Legacy Strings

@LegacyStringsLouisiana

The goal of Legacy Strings is to provide live string music for any occasion throughout Northeast Louisiana. Maxwell and Therese recognized a need for this type of musical offering after noticing a rise in number of wedding and event spaces across our community. In today’s digital age people frequently choose to have music playing over a PA or speaker system for their event. You can see and hear almost any band, artist, Symphony, and other ensembles with the simple click of a mousepad. In the post COVID world, more and more people are choosing live music options again. Live music is trending! We play a wide variety of music; everything from Bach to Beyonce. Rock and Pop music that has been arranged to sound classical is very popular right now thanks to the “Bridgerton” series. Contemporary Worship songs are also frequent requests. If a song is requested and we do not have it in our music library, we will work our hardest to find it or have it specially arranged for the occasion. Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z; all three generations are represented in Legacy Strings. We feel that this is something that makes our group unique as well as enjoyable. Our Legacy Strings members are: Therese Pirkey, age 37 – 1st violin – Wife and Mother, Therese is currently in Occupational Therapy school at the University of Louisiana at Monroe Maxwell Hyde, age 26- 2nd violin - Instructor and Greenhouse Laboratory Supervisor at Louisiana Tech University Sarah Bell , age 47- viola – former Orchestra Director who moved to Monroe LA from Columbia SC in May of 2025 Natalie Tellifero, age 36 – cello – Former Youth Minister who is currently an Orchestra Director with Monroe City Schools. Bass is her primary instrument.

Friendsofblackbayou

@Friendsofblackbayou

Friends group for Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

We support Black Bayou Lake NWR and by extension the entire national wildlife refuge system.

Khayriyah

@dynamicdemoiselle

Dynamic Demoiselle Creatives is a multidisciplinary designer with 7+ years of experience in graphic design and branding. She also is UX Design certified. Her creative journey began customizing MySpace profiles with HTML and evolved into designing visuals, book covers, and digital content. With a clean, storytelling-focused style, she helps small businesses in healing arts and others bring their ideas to life through thoughtful, expressive design.

Choices Mentoring For Families and Youth

@ChoicesMentoring

Choices Mentoring is a liaison to the community.

To provide pathways to purpose for youth and returning citizens through the arts, mentorship, skill-building, and community engagement—creating safer neighborhoods and stronger futures across Monroe.

Gary

@garydfaulkner

Current president North Central Louisiana Arts Council. Accidental business process consultant. Deal artiste.

Richland Parish Library

@RichlandParishLibrary

Established April 15, 1926, Richland Parish Library is the first parish library in the state of Louisiana. The main branch is in Rayville with additional branches in Delhi and Mangham.

Jaki

@Jaki

“Being an artist has never been an option for me. Creating has always been essential to my existence.” I am a teacher to others and always a life long learner to myself. Experimenting with different forms of art and discovering the unique qualities of each, fascinates and excites me. As a Contemporary Realist artist my work includes oil, acrylic, mixed media and 3 dimensional recycled artworks. My still life paintings include chiaroscuro and old master techniques. Every subject is matter for my canvas’s. All of these influences echo and weave stories throughout my work. I have been honored to lead a life of extraordinary adventures. Co-founder of a private elementary school in Santa Fe, NM, Shakespearean Prop Master, Faux Finish Artist, Muralist and the 2007 World Posole Cooking Champion are but a few of my milestones. The greatest, are that of being a mother, grandmother, and true friend. Through these hands, heart and soul, God gifted me art. Juried Exhibitions and Group Shows/ Recent and Upcoming “Scripture Through Many Eyes” Biedenharn Museum, Monroe, La “Surreal Estate: A Journey Through Reality” Courtyard Galerie, West Monroe, La Best of Show : “I Dreamed A Dream” (painting) Salvadore Dali Award 3 D “ Gogh Call Dali” (sculpture) “What We Don’t See” Women’s Group Show, Courtyard Galerie, West Monroe, La Raise the Roof Fundraiser, “Morning Praise”( painting on slate tile) Masur Museum, Monroe, La Re’Veillon! Live Auction “ Arlequin’s Menagerie” (painting) Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Bayou Point, Monroe, La “Seasons in Sportsman’s Paradise” Group Shows, Courtyard Galerie, West Monroe, La BLOOM! March, 2026 “ POEM” (painting) R.W. Norton Museum, Shreveport, La THE BIG PICTURE ART SHOW “ Messenger of Hope” (painting) Courtyard Galerie, West Monroe, La Off The Wall Fundraiser April 2026, Masur Museum, Monroe, La “BLEND” May, 2026 Artwork TBD, Bayou Point, Monroe, La “Parish Lines” June, 2026 “ Alliance Ignored Fern” (painting) Ouachita Parish Division, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council “The Fractured Saint—Echoes of Humanity” 2 Woman Show, July, 2026 Courtyard Galerie, West Monroe, La

Ashley Dowling

@ashleydowling

I am a Monroe-based graphic designer and the founder of Graphics by Ash, where I specialize in branding, marketing materials, and digital design for small businesses and organizations across Northeast Louisiana. I create clean, modern visuals that not only look beautiful but also serve a strategic purpose. From logos and brand identities to social media graphics, magazine ads, and event materials, I work closely with clients to bring their vision to life. I believe great design should communicate clearly, build credibility, and help businesses grow with confidence. I am passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and helping them show up professionally in a competitive marketplace.