Enriching Community Through Arts Education and Cultural Programming

Arts Danu provides a holistic approach to education, cultural exchange, community outreach and economic development through the lens of art.

A thriving arts program fuels the socio-economic development of a city; by providing high quality educational arts programming Arts Danu not only serves students and artists but also local businesses and residents in Southwest Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana.

Visiting Artist : Rubén Torres Llorca

Join us for a series of events kicked off by an exhibition of selected works on Friday, May 10, 6-8 pm, an artist talk hosted by Kristen Brandt of Mississippi Arts Commission on Saturday, May 11, from 12-2 pm and a private Cuban dinner with the artist Saturday, May 11 from 6-8 pm, all at Conde Contemporary, 334 Main Street, Natchez.

The Cuban born artist, based in Miami, is well known for his thought provoking, and technically skilled work across multiple mediums. The artist’s paintings, sculpture and installations are found in museums, institutions and private collections internationally. Llorca is, without a doubt, one of the most important Cuban artists of his generation.

“My fundamental influences are coming from film and literature. The only reason I choose to be a visual artist is the independence that it carries. Of the art forms, it is the one least in need of an outside producer, and I have a pathological inclination for naughtiness,” says Torres Llorca. “Through the years I haven’t cared what type of classification my art is subject to, whether it’s considered art, post-art, literature, or a simple commentary. I do not care what type of resources it uses, the provenance, or how bastardized it could be if I can use it. The essence for me is to establish a public dialogue.” - Rubén Torres Llorca, Cuban Art News

The artist has generously donated an original artwork, a triptych titled “So Quiet in Here”, valued at $2,000, which will be raffled off with proceeds going to support Arts Danu in its mission to provide a holistic approach to education, cultural exchange, community outreach and economic development through the lens of art. The winner will be announced on Sunday, May 12.

Reserve your spot for the dinner, $75 per person including drinks - menu in link below, and purchase raffle tickets for $20 each, also below. All other events are free and open to the public. Tickets and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

This series is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Mississippi Arts Commission.



Allumer Natchez

Mississippi’s only annual light based art exhibition and festival!

Allumer Natchez lights up Natchez, Mississippi November 10 & 11, 2023 from dusk until 10pm with cutting-edge contemporary art installations in an exploration of illumination!

Our third annual light based exhibition and festival moves to Downtown Natchez, illuminating Main Street and The Mississippi River Bluff, making this year’s event even more accessible. 

Suitable for the whole family, join us for a truly magical experience! As always, Allumer Natchez is free and open to the public

Community Testimonials

  • "Allumer Natchez is an amazing event unlike any other in town. The creative mix of lights and architecture was a unique showcase of the arts in Natchez."

    Carter Burns, Executive Director
    HISTORIC NATCHEZ FOUNDATION

  • "Allumer Natchez is a wonderful event; I liked it so much I came back twice. It was enjoyed by all who attended. I hope to see Allumer grow and become an annual event in Natchez."

    Sue Stedman
    CRYE LEIKE STEDMAN ULMER REALTORS

  • "Allumer Natchez is a one of a kind experience! The incredible displays are unlike anything I've ever seen before - and just seeing the faces of the children bedazzled by light and art makes it truly memorable."

    Dan Gibson
    MAYOR OF NATCHEZ

Teaching Artist Residency

Artists, writers, film makers, dancers and photographers are invited to participate in our residency program, for 2-6 weeks.  Room and studio space (when applicable) will be provided to the artist; in exchange they commit to teaching a class in their discipline at no charge for 6 hours per week. Classes are free to students, as well as to those 18 and under who have dropped out of school.

Priority is given to higher functioning neurodiverse students with an IEP for, or diagnosis of, ADHD and Dyslexia. All are welcome to apply.

Fee based workshops for adults are also be offered.


Teaching Artists

Submit CV and Bio, and available dates.

Students

Specify student classes or adult classes. We’ll keep you updated on the next class dates.