ART WORK
"George Marks is a contradiction. His work is simultaneously ordered and spontaneous. Carelessness and rigid geometry mingle on the canvas. Passages of drawing in the work range from sensitively rendered figuration to loose impetuous scrawls. His palette is generally warm and harmonious, but searing thin strips of color may awaken the calm. All of his pieces are deliberately orchestrated to fit together into a continuous installation, and yet each is also an improvisation.
The truly radical thing about Marks’ work is his process. Although, he simply labels his work with the obfuscating little phrase “mixed media on canvas”, he has developed a vocabulary of materials and techniques that are unduplicated. This rich and complex combination of materials may of course be appreciated in its own right, but for Marks this is not the point. Rather, the medium is inextricably webbed to the message. Nothing is done for a strictly decorative purpose.
Each material brings forth specific tactile associations, each recalls a memory, each assembles a part of the meaning of his work. He is a collector of textures, colors, and surfaces. He collects mental images of crumbling stucco on abandoned houses, trees rushing past his car window, and electrical conduits snaking around the corners of buildings. Sights like these are remembered and drawn upon to evoke the beauty in things that others might cast aside as imperfections.
His work brings forth far ranging art historical associations such as Edgar Degas to Barnett Newman, Richard Diebenkorn, and Donald Judd. What sets Marks’ work apart from many other modern painters, however, are his roots to the landscape and culture of South Louisiana. His work is never void of content, no matter how abstract the few simple notations become. His work recalls the flat broad vistas of that which each of us unconsciously knows by heart." Scott Finch
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURAL CONTRIBUTIONS
"George Marks has vision, a key element for an artist. However, Marks’ vision reaches beyond the canvas as he strives to unify people in Arnaudville and nearby communities to create an environment that values the arts, the creative spirit and quality of life. I highly recommend George Marks for the Governor’s Award.
It seems as though every time George Marks turns around, he has a new idea. His dreams have been transformed into Town Market; Nunu’s; The Frederick L’Ecole Des Arts; The Brown Bag Club children’s art workshops; The Bal De Maison; Fire and Water Rural Arts Celebration; Bayou Blues Revival, La Table Francaise and The Steeple Gallery. If you ask him about these projects, he may look away and say it was someone else’s idea, or he will name others who collaborated with him. While others may be involved, the fact is that Marks has created a hotbed of creativity and collaboration which has inspired many to work together to organize arts exhibitions, art classes, musical events and lots of entertaining and educational happenings that draw people together.
From George Marks, I have learned about the power of collaboration and high aspirations. I own a gift store in Grand Coteau, just seven miles from Arnaudville. Following George Marks’ lead, business owners and community organizers have all learned to promote not only ourselves, but all of the businesses and events of the area. One to one, Marks listens, encourages and is quick to assist others with their projects. Many of us now make more effort to aim high for ourselves and the community.
George Marks serves as a catalyst that sparks imagination and action; creativity and partnership. Marks could have used his vision and energy to further profit in his own career but instead he has chosen to remain in his hometown of Arnaudville where he can highlight the beauty of Louisiana culture and integrate art into the landscape. Many of us now have higher aspirations as we strive for our goals together. Life in Central Louisiana will never be the same, and for that we thank George Marks."
Patrice Melnick
BUSINESS ACUMEN
"George Marks has business acumen rare in someone of any age and background. He has almost single-handedly brought revitalization to the Arnaudville area through his efforts to help others. He sees an opportunity, gathers volunteers and sets the stage in motion. By combining resources and support, he has been successful in establishing the Town Market, NuNu’s Nightlite and Café, Frederick’s l’Ecole des Arts, Steeple Vue Gallery, Fire and Water Festival – Le Feu et l’Eau, Bayou Blues Revival, Arnaudville Area Potluck, Brown Bag Club and the list goes on.
George Marks has developed an envious reputation in this area. He was named the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007. He received the 2008 Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Award and was recently nominated by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to serve on the State Arts Council.
He has brought many artists and new business to the area and all of his efforts have been accomplished since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Yes, in a very short period of time, George Marks is credited by many for increasing the sales tax revenue in the small community of Arnaudville over twenty (20%) percent. He gives freely of himself, helping businesses and artists succeed. It is a pleasure to know him and to observe his progress." Betty Arnaud Roy
ONE PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2009 Cracker Jack, Steeple Vue Gallery, Arnaudville, LA
2008 Preying, R. Coury Fine Arts
2008 New Work, Grand Contemporary with DSG&F 2007 Necessary and Sufficient Causes , Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge , LA.
2005 Here to There, Grand Contemporary, Lafayette , LA.
2004 2 1/2“ < Standard , Art for Arts Sake, Ann Connelly Gallery/GB Project, New Orleans , LA.
2004 New Figures, Art for Arts Sake, Ann Connelly Gallery @ GB, New Orleans, LA.
2003 Medicated Reality, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge , LA.
2002 Playing God, Soren Christensen, New Orleans , LA.
2001 Contradictions.Fingerprints.Soft Dreams , Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge , LA.
1998 Nudes, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge , LA.
1996 Fuselier Rain, Images, Lafayette, LA.
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2009 Group Exhibition, Three Oaks, Michigan
2008 White Light Night, Ann Connelly, Baton Rouge, LA
2008 Louisiana Artists, Sag Harbor Village, Long Island, NY 2008 Group Show, Grand Contemporary, Lafayette, LA 2007 Louisiana Artists, Blue Gallery, Three Oaks, MI
2007 Group Show, Ogilvie Pertl, Chicago , IL
2007Group Show, Grand Contemporary, Lafayette , LA
2006 Summer Group Show, Grand Contemporary, Lafayette , LA
2006 Luminosity, Huff-Harrington, Atlanta , GA
2006 Splash, Huff-Harrington, Atlanta , GA
2005 Louisiana Artists, Blue Gallery, Three Oaks, MI
2005 Group Show, Jenkins Connelly, New Orleans , LA
2005 Hot Art Cool Night, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge , LA
2005 Grand Event, Grand Contemporary, Lafayette , LA
2004 White Light Night, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
2004 Spring Art, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
2003 Group Exhibition, Soren Christensen, New Orleans, LA.
2003 Group Exhibition, Ann Connelly @ Montecito Show House, Los Angeles, CA .
2002 Group Exhibition, Ann Connelly with B. Gattica, Los Angeles, CA .
2002 Winter Group, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA.
2002 Spring Group, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA.
2002 Group Exhibition, Soren Christensen, New Orleans, LA.
2001 Group Show, Ann Connelly Gallery with Dixon Smith, Baton Rouge, LA.
2001 Spirit of America, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA.
2000 Winter Group, Ann Connelly Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA.
2001 Baton Rouge Green Invitational, Old State Capital, Baton Rouge, LA.
2001 Studio Artists, Studio 801, Baton Rouge, LA.
1999 Dark Night, Bath House, Dallas, TX .
1999 Baton Rouge Green Invitational, Baton Rouge , LA.
1998 Red, Of Moving Colors, Baton Rouge , LA.
1998 Louisiana Collection, Jefferson, Lafayette, LA.
1998 Yellow. Orchid. Blue, Of Moving Colors, Baton Rouge, LA.
1997 Group Exhibition, Studio 801, Baton Rouge, LA.
1997 Selected Work, Burts-Cason @ Moscone Center, San Francisco , CA .
1997 Selected Work, Burts-Cason @ Javits Center, New York , NY.
1996 Du Baroque, Jefferson, Lafayette, LA.
1996 Olios, Jefferson, Lafayette, LA.
1995 Red Stick Invitational, Old State Capital, Baton Rouge, LA.
1993 Drawing and Prints, LSU Art Gallery , Baton Rouge, LA.
1992 Louisiana Purchase, City National Bank, Baton Rouge, LA.
SELECTED CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
Rabalais, Unland, and Lorio, L.L.P., LA
McGlinchey Stafford , LA
Chesteen and Associates, LA
Tommeny Fisher , LA
SN Servicing Corporation, LA
Iberia Bank, LA
Duckworth Realty, MS
Piedmont Hospital, GA
HONORS
2008 Louisiana Division of the Arts Leadership in the Arts Governor’s Award 2007 St. Landry Economic Authority Entrepreneur of the Year Award
JG Hook National Scholarship Award
BOARDS/PANELS
2010 Lafayette Consolidated Government Grant Panelist
2010-2013 Louisiana Partnership for the Arts
2010-2013 Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Advocacy
2009-2013 State Arts Council Executive Committee
2009 Louisiana Cultural Summit, “When Art Makes the Grade--the Arnaudville Experiment”
2008 Acadiana Center for the Arts Grant Panelist
2007 Acadiana Center for the Arts Grant Panelist 2007-2008 Frederick l'Ecole des Arts Board Member
2005-2008 Le Feu et l'Eau Rural Celebration of the Arts Chair
ART RELTATED AFFILIATIONS
Co-founded the Art Works Society--(www.artworks.homestead.com)
Co-founded Bayou Blues Revival --(www.bayoubluesrevival.homestead.com)
Co-founded le Feu et l'Eau (Fire and Water)--(www.fireandwater.homestead.com)
Co-founded Frederick l'Ecole des Arts--(www.frederickarts.homestead.com)
Co-founded Grand Contemporary--(www.grandcontemporary.homestead.com)
Co-founded NUNU's Nightlite and Cafe'--(www.nunuscafe.homestead.com)
Co-founded Town Market Centre--(www.townmarket.homestead.com)
Co-founded Studio 801Art Cooperative
BIBLIOGRAPHY—ART
Country Roads, October, 2007, “Art Exhibit, George Marks – Necessary and Sufficient Causes, Baton Rouge.”
The Times, November 7, 2007, “The Art Issue,” page 26.House Beautiful, July, 2005, “Louisiana Splendor”
The Times, November 7, 2007, “The Art Issue,” page 26.
The New Palm Beach . Architectural Digest, March 2005
How to Rev Up a Neutral Room. House Beautiful, October 2003
The Fine Art of Selling Art. Baton Rouge Business Report, September 2003
Decorators Showhouse X. New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, March 2002
BIBLIOGRAPHY-PROFESSIONAL
Teche News, December 1st, 2009, "There will be fire on the water this weekend"
Teche News, October 14, 2009, "'Word" fest Oct 27."
Teche News, October 14, 2009, "Bayou Teche fund-raiser Oct. 29."
Teche News,October 12th, 2009, "Fiddlers delight l'Ecole audience"
Daily World, September 30, 2009, "Local artist to head children's art program" William Johnson.
The Advertiser, September 19, 2009, "Book fair to raise funds for arts."
offBEAT Magazine, and OffBeat.com, Louisiana's and New Orleans' Online Music Resource, September, 2009, "Joe Hall & the Louisiana Cane Cutters, Live at NuNu's," Dan Willging.
Daily World, September 18, 2009, "Nonprofit organization offers arts workshops," William Johnson.
New Orleans.com Media, September 3, 2009, “Celtic Circuit Performance Series.”
Cajun Fun.com, September 3, 2009, “Hobbies, Major Events.
Daily World, August 25, 2009, “Joe Hall scheduled to teach workshop.” “Paula Robinson to teach guitar class.”
Daily World, August 21, 2009, “Beginning accordion, guitar classes to be offered.”
Daily World, June 12, 2009, “Heritage series to feature Hadley Castille.”
Southern Arts Federation, Fall, 2009, “Supporting and Promoting the Arts in the South, Current Grantees 2010.”
Brian Guidry – announcement – December 14, 2008, “denatured.”
Hedwig Gorski Portal, 2009, “Schedule of Presentations and Readings/Performances 2009.”
Fractured Artists, December 2008, “Fire and Water.”
Fractured Artists, November 29, 2008, “Morris Ardoin Family Band, Bals de Maison”
Fractured Artist, November, 2008, “George Marks Exhibition Opening--PREY, Ann Connelly Fine Art.”
The Advertiser, Wednesday, October 15, 2008, "International Delights - Chefs go 'Around the Culinary World in Seven Days," Judy Bastien.
Teche News, Wednesday, October 15, 2008, "Take your tummy on a trip - A week of exotic cuisines featured in Arnaudville," Marie Dawson.
Marketplace, July 30, 2008, "Arnaudville cultural district in the works," Marie Dawson.
Teche News, Wednesday, June 11, 2008, "Mural dedicated at elementary - Kids depict the local landscape," Marie Dawson.
Daily World, Monday, June 16, 2008, "Writer delivers French flavors."
The Acadian, June 2008, “Good Food – In La Jonction, NuNu’s Café is serving up the Best!”
Southern Accent, June 2008, “The Way we Live Today.” – George Marks Painting.
The Times, May 14, 2008, “The art of the matter in Arnaudville. – The Arnaudville Experiment.” by Cody Dagle.
Daily World, March 10, 2008, “Art is creating rebirth in Arnaudville.”
Daily World, February 22, 2008, “Bandleader sets accordion workshop in Arnaudville.”
The Advertiser, January 24, 2008, “Art Classes being offered in Arnaudville this month.”
Daily World, January 24, 2008, “Upcoming events at NuNu’s.
Daily World, December 30, 2007, “Hamilton to speak at chamber banquet.”
Daily World, December 27, 2007, “Art classes offered in Arnaudville.”
Daily World, December 21, 2007, “Geno to Play at NuNu’s.
Teche News, December 19, 2007, “Fire & Water redux, 3rd annual celebration big success.”
Daily World, Tuesday, December 18, 2007, “Activities in Arnaudville continue through January.”
Daily World, December 17, 2007, “Fire, water and art.”
Daily World, December 13, 2007, “Fire and Water set for Friday,” William Johnson.
Daily World, December 13, 2007, Stoking the fires.
Daily World, December 13, 2007, “Project hopes to ignite interest in art,” Alexandria Burris.
The Advertiser, December 13, 2007, Festival brings Cajun activists to Arnaudville.”
The Advertiser, December 12, 2007, “Young painters reflect Cajun life,” Bruce Brown.
Country Roads, December 2007, “Fire & Water Celebration,” page 9.
Daily World, November 30, 2007, William Johnson, “Fire and Water festival searches for artists.”
The Advertiser, November 30, 2007, William Johnson, “Fire and Water festival seeks additional artists.”
Daily World, November 29, 2007, “Ornaments sought for Fire and Water Community Christmas.”
The Advertiser, November 29, 2007, “Ornaments sought for Fire and Water Community Christmas.”
The Independent, November 14, 2007, Back to the Drawing Board – Acadiana Center for the Arts.”
The Independent, November 14, 2007, “Community Events – Painting Class, ‘Realistic Still Life.’”
Music of Acadiana Performance Series, November 2007, Joe Hall and the Louisiana Cane Cutters.”
The Times, November 7, 2007, “The Art Issue,” page 26.
The Advertiser, November 3, 2007, “A passion turned business.”
NuNu’s Nightlite, November and December Schedule.
Ann Connelly Fine Art, October 5, 2007, “George Marks.”
Country Roads, October, 2007, “Art Exhibit, George Marks – Necessary and Sufficient Causes, BatonRouge.”
Country Roads, October, 2007, “Musical Meanderings—New Tradition Takes hold at Nunu’s.”
Country Roads, October, 2007, “Calendar of Events, Art Exhibit, George Marks – Necessary and Sufficient Causes, Baton Rouge, La.”
Arnaudville Community Yard Sale, October, 2007, “All streets leading to Arnaudville.”
Daily World, September 28, 2007, New classes at Arnaudville art school.”
Daily World, September 23, 2007, “Frederick l’Ecole des Arts names Grand director of studies.”
Daily World, September 17, 2007, “School for the Arts is thinking green.”
Daily World, September 16, 2007, “Mixed Media artist holds workshop.”
The Advertiser, September 15, 2007, “People in business.”
Country Roads, September 15, 2007, “Arts & Crafts Arnaudville Potluck, Arnaudville, La.”
Baton Rouge, Fall, 2007, “Movie, cultural arts tax credit bill clears Senate.”
The Advertiser, September 11, 2007, “Around Acadiana, Frederick l’Ecole des Arts offers conservationclass.”
Daily Wrld, September 10, 2007, “Class to explore poetry and prose.” “Upcoming class offers green alternatves.”
Music f Acadiana Performance Series, September 2007, Fall Schedule.
The dvertiser, Thursday, September 4, 2007 – “Artist sculpts a home.”
Daiy World, Monday, September 3, 2007 – “Building on a dream.”
Th Advertiser, July 12, 2007, “School adds to Arnaudville’s art community.”
Dily World, July 12, 2007, “Learning is an art.”
The Eunice News, July 8, 2007, “The Arts flourish along Bayou Teche,” Rosalind Robertson.
Independent, July 4, 2007, “Sculpting Minds.”
Marketplace, July 4, 2007, “Arnaudville opens Art U.”
Dealer Directory, July 2007, “Antiques, Collectibles.”
Daily World, June 29, 2007, “Things to do, Places to go.”
Teche News, June 27, 2007, “Arnaudville’s Art U.”
La Vie Magazine, June, 2007 – “Community by Design.”
Daily World, June 25, 2007, “The Sound of music.”
The Advertiser, Thursday, June 21, 2007 – “On the road, again.”
Flickr, June 13, 2007, Rebecca Hudsmith, “Arnaudville: George Marks’ Town Market.”
The Advertiser, Sunday, May 27, 2007, “Blues comes to Arnaudville.”
Daily World, Sunday, May 27, 2007, Bayou Blues Revival debuts in Arnaudville.”
Bayou Blues Revival, May 26, 2007, “Henry Gray & the Cats.”
Louisiana Life, Spring, 2007 – “Portrait of Success.”
Southern Breeze, Spring, 2007, “23 Best Things about the Gulf Coast.”
Southern Breeze, Spring, 2007, “Down on the Bayou.”
The Times, May 23, 2007, Bayou Blues Revival comes to Arnaudville.”
Daily World, Tuesday, April 3, 2007, “Art meets Business.”
Daily World, Thursday, March 8, 2007, "New band to make debut at NuNu's," Jacqueline Cochran.
Architectural Digest, March, 2007 – “The New Palm Beach.”
Daily World, Sunday, December 31, 2006, “Year in Review.”
Daily World, Sunday, December 17, 2006, Yuwa Vosper, “ACC’s fest after-party brought out the chic.”
Daily World, Sunday, December 17, 2006, “Celebration of the Season.”
Daily World, Thursday December 14, 2006, “Arnaudville all lit up with Fire and Water Festival.”
Daily World, Wednesday, October 18, 2006, “Fire and Water Festival seeks artists.”
Teche News, October 4, 2006, “Green Living.”
Daily World, Monday, August 14, 2006, “Sheaux and Tell.”
Art Showcase Magazine, July-August, 2006, destinations “SOUTHERN EXPOSURE – The Art and Artists of Southern Louisiana.”
Daily World, May 26, 2006, “Cinema spotlight shines on Arnaudville.”
Canoe Travel, May 20, 2006, “A real arts movement.”
Teche News, Home Sweet Home, Arnaudville, April 26, 2006, “Arnaudville—The Little Town that Could."
Teche News, April 26, 2006, Ken Grissom, “Artist buys Arnaudville water plant."
Independent, April 5, 2006, “Arnaudville Renaissance”
Country Roads, April, 2006, “Pentecost comes to Arnaudville."
Daily World, Monday, February 20, 2006, "Art's future is topic of Table Talks," Jacqueline Cochran.
Daily World, Sunday, February 19, 2006 – “Seeds of Creativity.”
The Acadian, February 11, 2006, “Arnaudville: A Boom Town Revisited."
Breaux Bridge Market Place, January 18, 2006, ‘In Arnaudville –“
Advocate, December 23, 2005, “Enjoy the holiday old fashioned way in Louisiana’s small towns.”
Daily World, December 20, 2005, “Arnaudville’s art fest brought out the best in the towns’ people.”
Daily World, December 15, 2005, “Art lights the Way”
The Acadian St. Landry Parish, December 2005, "Grand Openings in Arnaudville."
Independent, October 19, 2005, “Fresh Start.”
Daily World, Sunday, September 18, 2005, “Artnaudville”
House Beautiful, July, 2005, “Louisiana Splendor”
