The renovation was started as a project by a member of this year’s Leadership Iberia Class.
NEW IBERA, LA: On Monday, July 11, 2022, the kids at the New Iberia Boys & Girls Club were surprised with a newly renovated art space after returning from a summer break. The project, spearheaded by local New Iberian, Anna Cavalier, began after a visit to the local club by this year’s Leadership Iberia Class. After the visit, Miss Cavalier spearheaded a project to reimagine the 10×20 space.
“I realized that right here, in New Iberia, was a group of young, passionate people, working with the youth of our community to give them a safe place to play, learn and grow,” Anna said. “They need our support to fulfil their mission. I’ve been an artist since I was young, and I recognized that there was an opportunity to assist them with this art room. I was inspired to create a space that not only has desks and supplies, but that promotes creativity and self-expression because every child deserves a space like this.”
With the help of her boyfriend, Christian Jacob, and corporate sponsor, Acadiana Hearing Center, a new art space was reimagined.
Reaching out to her Leadership Iberia classmates, she secured books, arts supplies, décor and more, plus monetary donations, to bring her vision to life.
Unit Director, Brianna Davis, says, “When they reached out about renovating the art room, I was excited to see someone from our community be so passionate and devoted to inspiring young artists. Once she began telling me plans, I was overwhelmed with joy to know just how big of a transformation was to come.”
With a mid-summer break at the club, Anna used this time to bring her project to fruition.
Local construction company, Trahan Construction, prepped the space with primer and paint, while Leadership Iberia classmates and other local volunteers helped to finish the project.
A new sign above the door now greets more than 120 students per day to the BGC STUDIO.
On Monday, July 11, the kids were finally introduced to their new art space. They reacted with gasps, excitement, jumps, dancing and more jumping! The excitement was beaming from their faces.
“Now, every member of the club has a portfolio to store their work. I hope the new space inspires the kids to create and display their art,” Anna commented.
“Seeing the kid’s reactions to the transformation that had taken place in the art room over their summer break was priceless,” said Brianna.
She added, “This project is so much more than a room renovation. It’s inspiration and motivation for our youth to express themselves. It’s a safe place for their imaginations to run wild. Seeing this transformation has set the tone for how they can transform anything!”
About Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana
Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana provides a safe, impactful low to no cost high-quality after school and summer programming to kids in Acadiana, and beyond. Our clubs focus on 3 main areas: Academic Success; Healthy Lifestyles and Habits; and Good Character & Leadership. The New Iberia Club is celebrating 25 years this year, and BGCA will be expanding to open a second club in New Iberia in early 2023! For more information, visit bgcacadiana.com.
About Leadership Iberia
Leadership Iberia is a community leadership program sponsored by the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to build a strong sense of community trusteeship by creating and empowering a broad network of well-informed leaders, whose strengthened commitment to community involvement will affect positive change in the Iberia Parish area. For more information, go to iberiachamber.org.
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