ACGBR Annual Meeting 2026
Last week, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge gathered for our annual meeting — an evening of recognition, reflection, and community. The night opened on a beautiful note, with Ed Ruzicka, president of the Baton Rouge Poets Society, sharing a special poem celebrating the power of the arts in our city.
THIS YEAR'S FELLOWSHIP AWARD
We were honored to present the Michael Crespo Visual Artist Fellowship to Baton Rouge-based artist Scott Finch.
The Michael Crespo Visual Artist Fellowship was created by former Arts Council CEO, the late Derek Gordon, and is funded by the Saurage family to commemorate the life, work, and dedication of internationally recognized painter and LSU professor Michael Crespo. The fellowship recognizes a visual artist who has established deep roots as a long-time contributing member of the Baton Rouge community.
Scott Finch's recent work explores comics as a form of drawing and reflection, with a focus on small-run publications that weave together image, memory, and dream. His practice is a testament to the kind of thoughtful, community-rooted artistry this fellowship was created to honor. Congratulations, Scott — we are so proud to celebrate your work.
BOARD TRANSITIONS
The evening also gave us the opportunity to thank our outgoing board members for their dedicated service to the arts in greater Baton Rouge, and to welcome the newest members joining our board. We are grateful for the continued energy and vision that each of them brings to our mission.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. The arts are alive and thriving in Baton Rouge — and it's because of this community.