Parishes Served
Mission
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council nurtures a vibrant regional arts culture through support, promotion, and education.
Vision
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council strives to be a transformative force for the community by encouraging a passion for the arts, promoting partnerships and collaboration, and ensuring access to the arts for all.
Staff
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Barry Stevens has served the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana as president since 2016. Before serving as president, Barry worked as the community development coordinator. A native of Austin, TX, Barry is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, the Bank Operations Institute at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce), and the LSU School of Banking. He has served as president of the Louisiana Young Bankers, treasurer and president of the Princess Theatre in Winnsboro, and was a founding director and president of the Princess Theatre Foundation. Barry was instrumental in the formation and establishment of the Old Post Office Museum in Winnsboro, serving as a founding member and treasurer of that organization.
Barry served as District Governor of Lions International District 8-I for the Lions year 2016-2017. His hobbies include music and genealogy. He and his wife Gayla are the parents of three grown daughters and proud grandparents of two granddaughters and three grandsons.
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Abigail Handy-Garcia is a freelance photographer and visual storyteller with 20 years of experience capturing the essence of people, places, and moments. In July 2020, she transitioned into a pivotal role as the Grants & Development Officer for the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. In this capacity, she serves Region 8’s 12 parishes, collaborating with artists, organizations, educators, and other community members to cultivate a vibrant and thriving arts culture in the area.
Growing up in a rural community in northeast Louisiana, Abigail developed a deep appreciation for the arts at a young age, discovering photography through her local 4-H club. Her personal journey reflects her lifelong commitment to making the arts accessible to all. As a proud Mama of three children—ages 17, 10, and 8—Abigail is especially passionate about ensuring the arts are available to individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
With a heart dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit of her community, Abigail and her family are proud to call West Monroe home, where they continue to be active participants in the region's artistic landscape.
Board of Directors
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