Claiborne Parish Jubilee
Annual Art & Quilt Show
May 9th & 10th 10AM - 4PM
"Patterns, Pictures, and Poetry - The Art of Claiborne Parish"


Painting by featured artist Bertha Cooper Harris

Festival Highlights  Event Schedule  More Information  Directions
Event Announcements G-J Article on Festival

Claiborne Jubilee to Feature Claiborne Parish Native

When the Claiborne Jubilee opens on May 10, 2008, visitors will be treated to the works of the artist being hailed as the next Clementine Hunter. Bertha Cooper Harris was born and raised in the St. John's Community of Claiborne Parish and has brought her memories of those years to life in her paintings which she only began a year ago. Mrs. Harris now lives in Blanchard but for years has wanted to give back to her home parish and share some of the richness of those early years with today's residents.

Mrs. Harris is a completely self taught Southern folk artist who has worked in fabric art for the past ten years, but who has only recently begun painting. She likes to recycle old objects into useful items such as purses and fabric wall art incorporating colorful fabrics. Her paintings depict scenes and experiences from growing up at Cooper Hill and on Beene Plantation. "I use my art to express the dreams and visions I have experienced throughout my life." Often she paints on scrap cardboard from grocery boxes as well as on canvas and wood.

She has exhibited her work at Melrose Plantation, Shop Till You Drop, Shreveport Regional Art Council's ArtSpace, the Shanty Folk Art Gallery, the Peddler Shows as well as in shows throughout Texas. Her family consists of her husband, one daughter, three grandsons and eight great grandchildren., as well as an extended family throughout the area.

For more information on the Claiborne Jubilee contact Cathy Emerson at 548-1272 or Cynthia Steele at 927-2566.

Calling All Quilters Jubilee Quilt Show Set for May 9th and 10th Anyone interested in showcasing their artistic achievements should make plans now to enter the various competitions at the Claiborne Jubilee. Quilts should be brought to 507 West Main St., Homer, LA, on May 8 by noon in order for the show to be hung and judged. Please sew a double 4 inch placket of fabric to the back of your quilt 90 inches from the bottom. This is made from a strip of fabric the width of the quilt x 8.5 inches. All quilts should have the quilter’s name and contact information sewn or pinned on the back The show will open May 9 with the quilts having been judged by Martha Gilbert of Jonesboro, LA, and will continue through May 10. Quilts should be picked up either Saturday afternoon by 5 pm or on Monday, May 12 before noon. Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex Old Homer National Bank 507 West Main Street Homer, LA 71040 May 9th & 10th 10 am - 4 pm Quilt Documentation Application Form

The 2008 Claiborne Jubilee will be celebrating "The Art of Claiborne Parish".

The Jubilee planning committee is proud to present the talent of Claiborne Parish in Patterns, Pictures, and Poetry.

Contests are open to Local and Regional Art, photo, quilt and poetry entries.

The quilt show will be opened to the public May 9 and 10 in the Police Jury complex.

Awards will be presented for adult, children and youth contest winners.

Submit information online, Email , call Cynthia Steele at 318-927-2566, or mail to 309 North Main St., Homer, LA 71040.

All events will be held on the courthouse lawn or in buildings around the town square. In addition to the traditional sidewalk art show, plans are underway for children’s art activities, a quilt show, and musical performances, and poetry readings.

In case of rain the Jubilee will be held in the Homer City Hall located on the square. All art, poetry, and performances will be there, and the quilt show will be in the Police Jury Complex in the former Homer National Bank.

Anyone interested in entering the art show or renting a booth as a vendor should also call 318-927-2566 to request more information. Entry forms are posted below or email .

Artists are urged to come for the day and bring materials to demonstrate their art. Pack a picnic or share in the delicious foods to be available from vendors around the Square. The ancient oaks on the courthouse lawn provide a delightful place to spend the day, where you can visit area antique and gift shops and the Ford Museum or take a short drive to Lake Claiborne State Park.

Zoom Out

The Claiborne Jubilee will be held on Historic Homer Town Square located at the junction of La Hwy 9 and US Hwy 79. Shreveport/Bossier - 45 mins, Monroe - 1 hr 15 mins, Ruston - 40 mins, Farmerville - 30 mins, and El Dorado - 55 mins.

Homer High School Senior to Perform "Spray Paint Art"

TJ Ponder, a life-long resident of Claiborne Parish, will be demonstrating and offering for sale his unique Spray-Paint-Art creations at the Jubilee.

Visit TJ's website at www.spray-paint-art.kcwd.com to view over 300 works of "somewhat conventional" art - TJ's site includes his very first works from early October 2006.

 

The Herbert S. Ford Museum

The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts reflecting the life, culture and society of North Louisiana Hill Country.

The museum will be holding a special showing for the Jubilee from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday, May 10.

New exhibit now open
CLAIBORNE PARISH IN THE 1920s: THE OIL BOOM

With the discovery of oil in Homer, crowds of businessmen and spectators descended on the quiet, rural town. The December 10, 1919 Guardian-Journal reported "tramps and beggars" and "an occasional Jezebel" had been observed walking down the streets. The Claiborne Hotel, which presently houses the Ford Museum, was jammed to overflowing with strangers.

The Public Grand Opening of CLAIBORNE PARISH IN THE 1920s: THE OIL BOOM was held Sunday, February 20 at 2:00 PM at the Ford Museum located on the town square in Homer. This exhibition is sponsored in part by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.