Lafayette Artist Brings Joy With ‘Front Yard Art Gallery’

Local artist Julie Siracusa is making a big difference during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic by lifting the spirits of our community through art. Siracusa, a highly successful Acadiana artist and graphic designer, had an idea that would distract our minds from the world's current crisis. Her 'Front Yard Art Gallery' idea has already touched the mind and soul of many.

I am a Lafayette artist working to bring joy to our commuity. During this difficult time of COVID-19, I decided to create a 'Front Yard Art Gallery'. My husband built an easel and anchored it into the ground. Each day, weather permitting, I display one of my large canvases on the easel in my front yard. The canvases are 60"x60", 72"x36" and larger.

Walkers, bikers and drivers keep a watchful eye as they pass by to get a gander at each day's painting. In addition to displaying an original piece of front yard art every day, Julie also posts a video and photos of each day's featured artwork to her popular Facebook page. Siracusa said she does it, "so that the world can experience the same joy that many in Acadiana experience for themselves every day".

The majority of her work is on very large canvases. Each piece takes an average of 3½ months to complete. Her paintings are very affordable and hang in very simple to boldly extravagant locations.

Julie Siracusa is currently teaching drawing lessons to some of the children in her neighborhood. She is such a special person Siracusa's small daily gesture of 'Front Yard Art Gallery' should be a subtle reminder to everyone all over the world that one person can make a difference.