Argent Financial Group announced today that Ruston artist Maggie Boudreaux is the recipient of this year’s Argent Fellowship for the Hambidge Center’s Creative Residency Program. Boudreaux will begin her two-week residency at the Hambidge Center this fall.

 

In the realm of art, Boudreaux embraces the inconsistency of creativity, finding her zest in exploration and diversity. Her fascination with color, form, and line guides her through a versatile journey, crafting abstracts, landscapes, and botanicals. Her art embraces life’s inspirations and moments, preventing her from confining herself to a single palette or theme.

 

“The opportunity to immerse oneself in their creative practice is a gift for any artist. My work is a dialogue, a reaction to my daily experiences. Therefore, I am eager to see how Hambidge will inspire my voice and creativity. My underlying focus will be developing new possibilities and ways to share my joy with others. Curious to see the lines, marks and colors unfold,” said Boudreaux. “Thank you Argent Financial for entrusting me with this fellowship at Hambidge. Truly an honor. I look forward to the growth and sharing it with others.”

 

Boudreaux graduated with a degree in fine arts in painting and drawing with a printmaking emphasis, accompanied by a Masters in art education. Louisiana Tech played a pivotal role in shaping her early years as an artist under the guidance of influential mentors such as Peter Jones, Ed Pinkston, and Charlie Meeds. Key moments in her educational journey include studying in Rome, being awarded a work-study scholarship at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, and more recently, engaging in a painting experience guided by the exceptional Catherine Kehoe in Nashville.

 

“The Argent Financial Distinguished Fellowship always introduces us to creative and talented individuals living in Ruston, and this year is no different with Maggie Boudreaux. We look forward to welcoming Maggie to our 600-acre creative sanctuary,” said Jamie Badoud, Hambidge Center Executive Director.

“It brings us great pride to engage in this endeavor, fostering the arts in our very own community,” said Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent Financial Group. “We are privileged to support Maggie’s journey through this residency.”

 

Residents of Ruston who work in writing, visual arts, dance, ceramics, culinary arts or music were eligible to apply for the Argent Financial Distinguished Fellowship. The program offers a $700 stipend along with a two-week residency at the Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap, Georgia. All applicants were evaluated by the Hambidge Center’s panel review process.

Established in 1934, The Hambidge Center nurtures creativity in all walks of life through a multidisciplinary residency program, innovative workshops, environmental initiatives, community programs, and exhibitions on its pristine wooded 600-acre creative sanctuary in the North Georgia Mountains. The Hambidge Cross-Pollination Art Lab provides studio space and dynamic arts programming in Atlanta. Through all its programming, Hambidge supports the creative process and presentation of bold ideas while building supportive and inclusive bonds of community.

 

Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm. Responsible for more than $40 billion in client assets, Argent provides individuals, families, businesses and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trust and estate planning, investment management, ESOPs, retirement plan consulting, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management and other unique financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.