by Hanna Singh
Something that I really believe sets Lincoln Parish apart from other places is the true appreciation for art and creativity that shines throughout the community. If you’re just strolling into town for the first time or moving onto campus as an incoming college student, you may notice quite a bit of local art around the area.
From the murals and bulldog statues on the streets to the small paintings hanging on restaurant walls, each corner of Ruston is brightened by the presence of work done by local creators. For me, this is just one more thing that makes Lincoln Parish my favorite place in the world.
One of the bolder artistic qualities you’ll notice in Lincoln Parish is the mural scene. Spread from outdoor areas of public parks all the way to downtown Ruston, murals bring community gathering places to life.
There are nine full-size murals, including the On the Shoulders of Giants Mural, Sleep Inn Mural, Downtown Ruston Mural, Creation Mural, Ruston Farmers Market Mural, Louisiana Center for the Blind Mural, Rainbow After the Storm Mural, Dixie Center for the Arts Mural and Rock Island Greenway Mural.
The Farmers Market Mural is a personal favorite of mine, highlighting the presence of the agricultural market in our parish and the beauty of bringing the community together to enjoy fresh, locally sourced food.
Another distinctive part of Ruston’s art scene is one of the more creative projects in the city’s artistic history.
Starting in 2018, the Bulldog Project turned Louisiana Tech’s mascot into a canvas for local artists to design. The Bulldogs showcase different artistic patterns and scenes, with some highlighting pieces of Lincoln Parish history.
In 2024, another round of Bulldogs was released, bringing the total to 21 dogs to search for across town. They include Flower Power, Vincent, Circle of Friends, Origin Point, Be Bold, Luna, The Business End, Stained Glass, Everyone Loves Breakfast, Disco Dog, We Bleed Tech Blue, Storybook Bark, Farmers Market, Temporal Radiance, Goodwill, Au Printemps, She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Bulldog, Louisiana Natives, Mirrored Image, Let’s Play and Star Stuff.
Less noticeable than the murals and larger-than-life bulldog statues, smaller art pieces hanging in businesses around Lincoln Parish also make up an important part of the local art culture. With a number of galleries and art organizations across the parish, local artists have a strong foundation for showcasing their work.
When you go to get lunch at your favorite downtown spot or shop at a local boutique, you’ll often find the work of Lincoln Parish artists hanging on the walls for all to see.
During the Peach Festival each summer, local artists and creators have plenty of opportunities to share their work with the community. Whether it be in the art contest gallery in the library or lining the streets in vendor booths and store windows, everywhere you go there’s an artist’s touch.
Even in the quieter months of the year, local schools and community groups host gallery nights and creator meetups. The city is alive with art 365 days a year, and I think that’s wonderful.
The artistic culture of Lincoln Parish is what I believe really defines our community. This parish has changed a lot over the years, but one constant is the creativity and passion that lives in every corner and cranny of this town.
Whether you’re visiting Ruston for the afternoon or you’ve lived here for 50 years, there’s always more to discover in this ever-changing town.
