Tourism center keying up new art

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The St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission (SLPTC) has installed a new art piece, the “Key of ‘C’ Accordion” kiosk.
The kiosk is a unique concept that combines art, construction, design, and modern technology. It is an exciting addition to the center’s collection, which includes the Amédé Ardoin Commemorative. The accordion allows the user to explore CajunTravel.com and listen to a range of regional music genres including Cajun, Creole, and zydeco.
Everyone will have an opportunity to use the new art installation at SLPTC’s event, Meet the Artists, at 9 a.m. Sept. 20. The event will feature the artists involved in the new sculpture, the new brand logo, and CajunTravel.com redesign. The event will take place at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center in Opelousas.
The “Key of ‘C’ Accordion” sculpture was designed by Breaux Bridge artist, Kelly Guidry, and Teamwork Solutions was responsible for the digital components of the kiosk. Widely known throughout Louisiana as the “chainsaw guy,” Kelly uses wood and metal to bring to life imaginative figures. For this piece, Kelly used reclaimed pine, cypress, bousillage support columns, and custom-made decorative brackets. Using vintage sash weights, he created a pulley system that allows the user to adjust the accordion’s height.
You might be wondering, “What’s in the name?” SLPTC communications manager, Caitlin Bussey, explains, “You could interpret ‘C’ as being a reference to either Cajun or Creole, but the name has more to do with the history of the accordion rather than cultural ownership.”
According to Ann Savoy’s book, “Cajun Music A Reflection of a People Volume I,” early accordions were only made available in the key of “A” and “F”, a nuisance for fiddlers who couldn’t tune their instrument to those keys. It wasn’t until companies released “C” and “D” accordions that it became a popular accompaniment to the fiddle at a house dance, with “C” being the preferred choice. Did the key of “C” change the history of our music culture? Just some food for thought!
See the new kiosk at Meet the Artists. The Commission has also invited other creatives who they are currently working with to come and display their artwork in the center that day. “Artists are instrumental to our culture, and we are fortunate to work with so many on creative projects. We really want to celebrate their talents during this event”, says Bussey. On display will be silk compositions by Megan Barra and photography by Lucius Fontenot.
The St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission is the official destination marketing organization tasked with the purpose of promoting tourism in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. The St. Landry Parish Visitor Center and offices of the Commission’s staff are located in Opelousas off of Interstate 49, at Exit 23.
The Key of “C” Accordion Kiosk is supported by a grant from the 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 Acadiana Center for the Arts.