By Hanna Singh
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council announced the nominees for the 2024 Northeast Louisiana Arts Awards, which include three outstanding individuals from Lincoln Parish.
These nominations celebrate the remarkable contributions of artists, businesses, volunteers and educators within the arts community.
Representing Ruston High School, art teacher Deana Revels has been nominated for the Region 8 Arts Educator of the Year Award. Introduced in 2022, the award recognizes an arts educator who is making a difference in the NELA region through their dedication to Arts Education. Revels’ nomination comes from Dylan Sanders.
“I am honored to have been nominated for Arts Educator of the Year,” Revels said. “It brings me such joy to see my students grow as artists and as people. Whether they decide to go into an art field or not, I encourage them to use their creative talents to enhance their life. I let my students know that I am here for them, even after they leave my classroom.”
Anna Alexander of Hillcrest and Glenview Elementary Schools has also been nominated for the Region 8 Arts Educator of the Year Award. Nominated by Marcie Nelson, Alexander acknowledged the profound and rewarding impact that being an arts educator has had on her life.
“I feel honored being nominated for this award. I know there are a lot of educators who are deserving of this award because of the experience they have and the amount of time they have invested into this field,” Alexander said. “You don’t become an educator to be recognized, but to make an impact on your students’ lives.”
Ruston artist Taryn Davidson has been nominated by the Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation for the Dot Bassett Emerging Artist Award. As a Louisiana Tech student and Ruston resident, Davidson proudly represents Lincoln Parish, showcasing her talents as a dedicated cultivator and creator of art.
“I’m so thankful that I live in a community that has been so supportive of me as an artist,” Davidson said. “I owe a great debt of gratitude to each artist, curator and enthusiast who has encouraged me and my art.”
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council will honor nominees and winners across several categories, including Performing Artist of the Year, Visual Artist of the Year, BART Award, Volunteer of the Year, Emerging Artist and Region 8 Arts Educator of the Year.
