Downtown Gallery Crawl

Riser Middle School presents...
Murals at "The Ranch"

Ramsey Elliott is an Art and Digital Media teacher at Riser Middle School, the applicant for this project, and the artist who will be completing the murals and creative spaces on campus. She is a wife, a proud “RaRa,” and someone who believes deeply in using her gifts to serve the students and community around her. Ramsey’s personal code is rooted in faith, family, creativity, hard work, and the belief that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of something great.

As an educator and artist, Ramsey wants her work to do more than decorate a wall. She wants it to create a sense of pride, belonging, and possibility for the students who walk past it every day. Through this project, she hopes to bring beauty, encouragement, and school spirit to Riser Middle School while giving students a meaningful role in creating something that will leave a lasting mark on their campus.

Ramsey will be leading two mural projects at Riser Middle School that will give students the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on their campus. One mural will transform an outdoor breezeway into a welcoming reading corner designed to encourage literacy and create a peaceful space for students to enjoy a good book. The second mural will be located at the school’s entrance, creating a vibrant first impression that celebrates Mustang pride, student achievement, and the spirit of “The Ranch.”

What makes these projects even more special is that Riser students will help bring these murals to life, gaining valuable experience while creating something they can be proud of for years to come. Ramsey also looks forward to sharing the finished murals with our families and community as we celebrate the creativity, talent, and hard work of our students.

“The vision for this initiative is to foster a sense of ownership and pride within our student body as they navigate their campus. It is my firm conviction that creative expression can empower youth to feel recognized, supported, and unified. By utilizing my artistic abilities to establish an environment where every child feels motivated and knows they have a place here, I know this endeavor will be truly meaningful.”
- Ramsey Elliot, Riser Middle School Art Educator

Shady Grove Elementary & Krewe Creative present...
THREE SCHOOLS. ONE COMMUNITY.

An exciting public art initiative in partnership with Shady Grove Elementary, Herons Give Back, and the Downtown Arts Alliance.

Led by artists Ashley Greer and Daniel Myers of Krewe Creative, this project combines sculpture, design, and storytelling to create a landmark that celebrates the identity and connection of three school communities.

Known for creating large scale public art across Louisiana, Ashley and Daniel bring a muralist perspective to this sculptural installation, using color, creativity, and visual storytelling to transform a simple structure into an experience that reflects the people it represents.

The Shady Grove Project will feature a custom sculptural letter installation designed to honor the students, educators, and communities that make these schools unique. Drawing inspiration from the energy and imagination of young minds, the artwork will serve as a symbol of unity, pride, and possibility.

More than a sculpture, this project is an investment in creativity, education, and community connection. It is designed to create a lasting sense of place while inspiring students to see how art can shape the world around them.

Jessi Carter Creative presents... Welcoming Windows!

Jessi Carter is a self-taught artist, wife, and mom of four. Through her business, Jessi Carter Creative, she creates joyful murals and painted windows for schools, churches, and businesses throughout North Louisiana. What began as painting windows for her children’s elementary school has grown into a career centered around creativity, connection, and creating spaces that bring people together.

Supported by the Herons on the Bayou grant program and The Junior League of Monroe, Jessi’s project, Welcoming Windows, will partner with schools across Ouachita Parish to create colorful window artwork designed to celebrate each school’s unique spirit. In addition to the artwork, students will have opportunities to share their creativity through an art contest and participate in the painting process, making each installation a community collaboration.

By combining art with student involvement, Jessi hopes to cultivate joy, strengthen school pride, and create welcoming spaces that remind students, teachers, and staff that they are part of something special.

(2/2) And where would we be with our gallery owners? Who knows?? THANK YOU and your volunteers for your hard work and dedication, and for giving these artists the space for their art to shine!

See y'all next Crawl! 👋🏼
- 📸: WONDERBOY

(1/2) Y'all make The Crawl so special. The arts and creative community that's cultivated here is no secret, it's loud, proud, and packed with many unique and colorful voices. We thank you all for continuing to come out and show for what it is..
- 📸: WONDERBOY

The Black Creatives Circle of North Louisiana (BCCNL) is proud to present...
LIGHTS. COLOR. ACTION.

An exciting new public art initiative in partnership with Herons on the Bayou, Mayor Friday Ellis, Monroe City, and the City DOTD!

Conceived and led by BCCNL Project Coordinator Brandon Virgil Sr., this initiative is about so much MORE than beautiful art on our streets - it's about community, connection, and creativity!

Professional artists will collaborate directly with communities and art classrooms across Monroe, giving students and residents the chance to be part of creating real public artworks.

The best designed box will be awarded - so bring your vision and your best work!

This project will leave a lasting impression on our city while investing in the future of the arts right here at home.

Monroe - get ready.

Lights. Color. Action. IS ON THE WAY!