Andouille Man leads poster unveiling; Artist’s 2nd effort includes Breast Cancer awareness
Published 12:14 am Saturday, September 23, 2017
- Dana B. Wallace, left, unveils the Andouille Festival poster Thursday morning with St. John Economic Development Director Jerry W. Jones Jr. and Parish President Natalie Robottom.
LAPLACE — Dana B. Wallace of LaPlace wasn’t sure she could replicate the success she had creating last year’s official Andouille Festival poster.
After watching YouTube tutorials on how to prepare gumbo, Wallace realized the importance of St. John the Baptist Parish’s andouille industry and was inspired to create a new poster celebrating its impact on local and global scales.
The 2017 official poster, unveiled Thursday at the St. John Community Center in LaPlace, is lively and colorful. It features an Andouille Man in the center preparing gumbo, surrounded by other Louisiana tokens and a festival backdrop.
The bright pink Louisiana and ribbons in the design pay homage to Breast Cancer Awareness month and Wallace’s mother, who passed away from the disease seven years ago.
Dana B. Wallace stands with the Andouille Festival poster, which is available for sale and includes a nod to Breast Cancer awareness.
In addition to being sold at the 44th annual Andouille Festival Oct. 13-15, starting in October, posters can be ordered at Matherne’s Supermarket in LaPlace, Don’s Country Store and Greg’s Neighborhood Market in Reserve.
One hundred signed and numbered festival prints are being sold for $40 each and signature only are $30 each. Posters will also be sold in the General Store the weekend of the Andouille Festival.
A portion of poster sales will be donated to breast cancer research.
Parish President Natalie Robottom was present for the proceedings, and she spoke about the importance of the poster to the Festival and community.
“The poster is something we cherish, keep as a memento and use to teach our children and grandchildren about the history of the parish,” she said.
According to Robottom, even though the Andouille Festival has been around for 44 years, not every festival has featured an official print.
The poster tradition was re-implemented five years ago as an opportunity to recognize local artists.
Wallace, who has been drawn to art from the time she was old enough to pick up a pencil, said it was a joy and a blessing to create the 2017 poster.
“We have the nicest festival and community in the state, and it’s constantly growing,” Wallace said. “The poster should represent that and have meaning.”
She described the design as “happy,” a reflection of her own state of mind and the outlook for the future of St. John Parish.
Representatives from Marathon Petroleum Company LP, the Festival’s primary sponsor, were also present at the unveiling to present a $30,000 check.
The 44th annual Andouille Festival features live music, family fun and world famous andouille sausage.
The event will take place Oct. 13-15 outside the St. John Community Center in LaPlace.
— By Brooke Robichaux
Marathon Petroleum Company LP representatives join Andouille Festival organizers and supporters Thursday in donating $30,000 to the effort as the chief sponsor.
