Every Line Tells a Story
Thirty-six artists. Twelve parishes. One region.
Parish Lines invites artists from across Northeast Louisiana to explore the geography, culture, and emotion of the place they call home.
Each of Region 8’s twelve parishes will be represented by three artists - each telling their own story of belonging, memory, and identity through visual art.
Each artist will present work inspired by the physical, cultural, emotional, or historical identity of their home parish - drawing literal and metaphorical lines across our region. From bayous and fields to small-town streets and courthouse squares, every line on the map carries meaning. Parish Lines connects those stories into one shared portrait of Region 8.
A visual cartography of Northeast Louisiana...
told through the artists who live it.
About the Exhibition
This juried regional exhibition highlights the creative voices of artists living and working within Louisiana’s Region 8 parishes. Those parishes are: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.
All mediums are welcome - painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, printmaking, and beyond.
Exhibition Vision & Goals
- Core Narrative: A visual cartography of Northeast Louisiana - told through 36 artists who live it
- Curatorial Angle: Showcasing the uniqueness within the unity. The “lines” divide but also define and connect.
- Celebrate regional diversity through place-based storytelling
- Strengthen inter-parish connections through the arts
- Offer professional opportunities to emerging and established artists alike
Juror Spotlight: Chris King
About the Juror:
Chris King is a multimedia artist and educator based in Louisiana originally from Massachusetts. He received his BFA in Sculpture and Art Education from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, followed by his MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. His work explores themes of displacement, injustice, immigration, and social ailments through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. King’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums nationally, including the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, The Ogden Museum in New Orleans, and the Acadiana Center in Lafayette. In 2010, King was commissioned by the Kurt Vonnegut Museum in Indianapolis to create several large paintings celebrating the author’s life. King has also participated in a variety of artist residency programs, including the Arctic Circle Residency, where he lived and worked with a group of international artists while on a month-long sailing expedition to the North Pole. In 2008, after working in Los Angeles for fifteen years, King moved to Natchitoches, Louisiana where he lives today and is a Senior Lecturer of Visual Arts and the Gallery Director at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
Role in the Exhibition:
Chris King will lead the blind jurying process for Parish Lines, reviewing submissions from across all 12 parishes. His selection will focus on originality, artistic quality, and a strong sense of connection to place. He will also join us at the June 4 opening reception to offer remarks and meet participating artists.
Key Dates...
Call for Artists Opens: November 17, 2025
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
Jury Review: March 2 – 13, 2026
Artists Notified: March 16, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: May 4 – 15, 2026
Installation: May 18 – 29, 2026
Opening Reception: June 4, 2026
Exhibition Dates: June 1 – July 10, 2026
Artwork Pickup: July 12 – 24, 2026
Eligibility & Entry Details
- Must be 18+ and reside in one of Region 8’s twelve parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll
- All visual mediums accepted
- Submit 1–2 original works (at least one reflecting your home parish)
Artists at any career stage are encouraged to apply
Juror Honorarium: Supported by the Arts Council and regional partners
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by our juror using three primary measures:
Connection to Place – authenticity and reflection of parish identity
Originality & Voice – conceptual strength and distinct vision
Artistic Quality – craftsmanship, composition, and overall impact
Submission Requirements
- Artist Bio (150 words max)
- Artist Statement (250 words max) describing the work’s parish connection
- 1–2 original works for consideration (at least one must directly reflect the artist's home parish - include title, year, medium, dimensions, price/NFS)
- 1–3 high-resolution images per artwork (JPG/PNG, high res, labeled LastName_Title_Medium_Size.jpg)
- Optional: link to portfolio or website
How to Apply
All submissions are accepted online only.
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026, 11:59 PM CT
Submit your entry below...
Awards & Opportunities
Juror’s Choice, Honorable Mentions, or Parish Spotlights may be awarded during the opening reception. Selected artists will also be featured in weekly Parish Profiles on our website and social channels leading up to the exhibition.
FAQ
Can I submit collaborative work?
Yes; note all collaborators in the credits. The primary applicant should reside in a Region 8 parish.
Are there size/weight exceptions?
Possibly - email us prior to submitting if any dimension exceeds 72” or weight 75 lbs.
May I submit a work in progress?
Preferably submit completed works. If a work is in progress, provide clear mockups and a completion timeline. Final piece must match the concept submitted.
Will there be awards?
First, Second, Third, Honorable Mentions. Awards will be announced at the opening reception.
Is there an entry fee?
No.
What if I move parishes after submitting?
Eligibility is based on residency at time of submission.
Who do I contact with questions?
Abigail Handy-Garcia, Grants & Development Officer
Email: abigail@nelaarts.org
