FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2021
Eighth Art Wrapped Traffic Box to be Unveiled in Opelousas
(Opelousas, LA) – Opelousas Tourism is excited to announce the unveiling of another Boxed Art scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Bullard and Landry (Hwy 190) Streets in Opelousas. Making its debut in 2020 as one of the City of Opelousas’ 300-year celebration activities, Boxed Art transforms traffic boxes into vibrant art displays. The public will be able to view the unveiling live via Opelousas Travel’s Facebook page.
The eighth Boxed Art features artwork by Theon Guillory. Guillory, who was raised in Opelousas and now makes his home in nearby Lawtell, Louisiana, became interested in visual art at a young age. One of his earliest childhood memories is his mother being called to his school because he was drawing all over his test papers. Growing up, Guillory won numerous local art contests and gained several awards for his work.
The self-taught artist has a mixture of techniques from early inspirations like Bob Ross, Walter Foster and the numerous artists he watched on television. Guillory’s artwork was highlighted in Opelousas Main Street’s Fiddle Mania public art exhibit in 2012. Two years later, he was named the winner of The Daily Advertiser’s Mardi Gras Cover and was later selected as the poster artist for Games of Acadiana. Guillory is a barber by trade. He and his wife Monica, have two sons.
Organized by Opelousas Tourism, with support from the City of Opelousas, Boxed Art helps to showcase the community’s character and culture, enhance public spaces and highlight artist and their talents in our area. Past art-wrapped traffic boxes themes featured Louisiana food, folklore traditions, Cajun and Creole traditions, local legends and early rural farm life.
Completed Boxed Art include traffic boxes located at Wallior, Vine and Landry Streets featuring art by Jerome Ford, Court and Landry Street featuring art by Sue Boagni, Union and Dunbar Streets featuring art by B.J. Smith, North Railroad Avenue and West Church Street featuring art by Ke’Shawn Collins, Bellevue and Main Streets featuring art by Rebecca Henry, Vine and Market Streets featuring art by Gerri Soileau and at the intersection of Creswell Lane at I-49 Service Road featuring art by Alicia Johnson-Black.
Funding for the project is made possible through a grant from Union Pacific Foundation awarded to Opelousas Tourism. For more information about Boxed Art, email tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Last modified: June 21, 2022
