Hidden Gem in Claiborne

      

As I look around my community, I realize that there is a hidden gem that has been here for years, yet many who live here are unaware of the activity that occurs behind the antique wooden doors adorning the front of this historical treasure.  I am speaking of the Ford Museum.  As I take a peek behind these doors, I realize that this important asset to Claiborne Parish is continually working to bring the arts as well as awareness of the arts into our little community.  This tiny jewel is only open 3 days a week, but the project director, Linda Volentine, seems to work non-stop providing tours of the museum, hosting programs that promote the culture and history of this area, applying for grants, as well as encouraging artists from around the area and the state to contribute their time and energy to workshops as a means of enriching the public in the arts. 

Linda Volentine

         Linda, a native of Claiborne Parish, has worked tirelessly in her effort to increase exposure to the arts in the community as a means to form bonds between the citizens of this diverse community.  This can be seen in the diversity of the artists that have been showcased within this small museum, as well as the artists that have been selected to participate in workshops that have been offered to the public. 

         Linda makes sure that she includes the parish art teachers and students in her programs by writing them into grants, which allows both teachers and students the opportunity to participate in many unique art experiences on a first hand basis.  The teachers are invited to the workshop to learn the native skill, and take this skill back to the classroom along with enough supplies for the students.  After the completion of each project, the museum displays the art for the community.  Some of the skills that have been shared by various artists are:  folk art paintings, gourd art, pine straw baskets, reed baskets, cane carving, and mosaics.    Many of these artists are community members, which allows the students to not only learn a new skill but also develop a more keen understanding of the history of their community.

Artwork I made at several Ford Museum workshops.

         It was clear to see, through the enthusiastic way Linda discussed her job and her connection with Claiborne Parish, that she loves both.  She believes that her greatest achievement is her connection with the citizens, especially the children, of the parish, and credits this to her job, which she believes, “takes me into places I should not normally go, opens doors that I would not even think to open, and allows me to work with school children at all levels.”