11/03/2025
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From Miniatures to Masterpieces: River Oaks Showcases Art, Outreach, and Inspiration
River Oaks Square Arts Center is closing out the year with a stellar lineup of exhibitions that capture the spirit of creativity, community, and connection. November brings together a stunning mix of national and local artistry, from the 10th Annual 5x5x5 National Miniature Competition to the soulful landscapes of Laura Gates and the vibrant works produced through River Oaks' renowned ART for ALL Outreach Program. Each gallery will tell its own story of imagination and inspiration, uniting artists, students, and patrons in celebration of the power of art.
In the Bolton-Davis Gallery, the spotlight shines on the 10th Annual 5x5x5 National Call for Miniature Works, juried by accomplished artist and educator Ross Jahnke. Meanwhile, in the Galerie des Amis, artist Laura Gates presents her solo exhibition, Earth and Sky: Grounding Presence/Infinite Potential, an exploration of landscape, connection, and belonging. The Stokes-Harris Gallery will feature ART for ALL: A Celebration of Student Works from River Oaks' Outreach Program, a moving tribute to creativity and resilience through the eyes of special needs students and underserved community members.
“November at River Oaks is always one of our most inspiring months,” says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. “This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 10th year of our national 5x5x5 competition, while also highlighting the extraordinary impact of our outreach programming. Each exhibition reflects our mission to nurture creativity at every level - from professional artists to those discovering the joy of expression for the first time.”
Now in its tenth year, the 5x5x5 National Miniature Competition has become a cornerstone of River Oaks' exhibition calendar, attracting artists from across the United States. The challenge to artists is to create powerful, intricate works that measure no more than five inches in any direction. This annual show continues to captivate both artists and collectors alike, proving that size is no limitation to creativity. Each piece invites viewers to look closer, revealing layers of meaning and craftsmanship that transcend its small scale.
Guest Juror Ross Jahnke brings decades of experience and expertise to this milestone exhibition. A painter and printmaker, Jahnke focuses on oil painting and printmaking, particularly woodcut and silkscreen prints. His career as both an artist and educator spans over three decades at Nicholls State University, where he serves as Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Art. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and his deep understanding of printmaking and design informs every aspect of his creative practice.
Jahnke’s accompanying exhibition, Mechanical Sympathy, explores themes of control, intuition, and transition. “This work represents several points of transition, with an as yet unclear direction. The only conscious intent was to relinquish more control to the wood and the tools,” Jahnke explains. This series embodies his philosophy of creative discovery - allowing the process itself to dictate the result. The works merge technical mastery with an embrace of unpredictability, revealing how even in structure, there is room for spontaneity and emotion.
In the Galerie des Amis, Laura Gates offers a contemplative journey through her solo exhibition, Earth and Sky: Grounding Presence/Infinite Potential. Gates, a seasoned landscape painter, captures the profound interplay between humanity, nature, and the cosmos. Holding a BFA in Art and an MA in the History of Art and Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Gates has spent decades refining her practice across the U.S. and abroad. Her work has appeared in numerous regional and national juried exhibitions and has been featured in Louisiana Life Magazine and LPB’s Art Rocks.
Earth and Sky: Grounding Presence/Infinite Potential reflects Gates' lifelong fascination with place and perspective. Through painterly explorations of light, color, and atmosphere, she seeks to connect viewers to the balance between the tangible and the ethereal - the solidity of the earth and the infinite wonder of the sky. Her work invites quiet reflection, offering a visual meditation on what it means to belong in a world that is both grounded and boundless.
The ART for ALL Outreach Exhibition in the Stokes-Harris Gallery stands as a testament to River Oaks' enduring commitment to accessibility in the arts. For 2025, River Oaks' outreach programming followed the theme HeART Takes Flight, inspired by the community heart sculpture unveiled earlier this year. The program, which serves individuals with special needs and underserved populations, uses art as a vehicle for empowerment and inclusion. Each piece created in the outreach program embodies the spirit of freedom, inspiration, and possibility - demonstrating how creativity can uplift both individuals and communities.
At the heart of the Outreach Program is Lindsay B. Moore, Ceramics Outreach Instructor at River Oaks. For over five years, Moore has shared her talents and patience with hundreds of students, teaching basic art and ceramics techniques while encouraging self-expression and confidence. Her work with partner organizations like ARC Rapides, OLS Community Homes, Central Louisiana Supports & Services Center, and The Cookie Project - Honduras has made a lasting impact, showing that art can bridge gaps and foster understanding. Under her guidance, River Oaks has conducted over 800 outreach sessions since 2010, expanding access to the arts for all. The Outreach Projects for 2025 are made possible through sponsorships by Louisiana Project Grant as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, RoyOMartin Foundation, Bill Hess Memorial Fund, The Rotary Club of Alexandria, Alexandria Rotary Club and The Rotary Foundation, Louisiana Division of the Arts, and CLECO.
The exhibitions will open with a reception and awards ceremony on November 13 from 5–7 pm, with Guest Juror Remarks and Awards presented at 6 pm.
As the exhibitions inspire and delight, the holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes one of River Oaks' most beloved traditions - the Annual Christmas Porch Sale. Taking place Saturday, December 6, from 9 am to 3 pm, the event features original works from over 100 regional artists and fine craftsmen. The sale coincides with Alex WinterFête, offering the perfect opportunity to shop local, enjoy live music, and savor Diamond Grill’s signature gumbo from 11:30 am to 1 pm. It’s the ideal kickoff to the holiday season and a chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the arts.
We would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the organizations that tirelessly support River Oaks throughout the year: Louisiana Feed Your Soul, The Diamond Grill, Hotel Bentley, Explore Alexandria/Pineville, The City of Alexandria, Red River Bank, GAEDA, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information on exhibitions, classes, and upcoming events, contact River Oaks at (318) 473-2670, visit RiverOaksArtsCenter.com, or follow River Oaks Arts Center on Facebook for the latest updates.
