Recovery continues across Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following the historic flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur.

In this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Travel Avoyelles" Podcast, Executive Director Wilbert Carmouche of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism joins Father Martin Laird of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville and Immaculate Conception Church in DuPont to share firsthand stories of resilience, faith, volunteerism, and the incredible spirit of the community.

The conversation highlights how neighbors, churches, first responders, businesses, and volunteers united to help families recover after record-breaking rainfall. The episode also explores how travelers can support the local economy by visiting Avoyelles Parish's attractions, restaurants, festivals, and small businesses as recovery continues.

The show concludes with hope for the future, emphasizing that while much rebuilding remains, Avoyelles Parish is open for visitors and grateful for every act of support.

Flood Relief & Area Information

- Support Avoyelles Parish recovery through the Diocese of Alexandria Flood Relief efforts: https://www.diocesealex.org/avoyelles-flood-relief/

- Learn more and plan a future visit: https://travelavoyelles.com/

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In this episode of Big Blend Radio's "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the remarkable life and legacy of Jack Levine (1915–2010), one of America's most influential political and social realist artists. Known for his satirical paintings and prints, Levine fearlessly used art to challenge authority, expose corruption, and capture the human condition with wit, compassion, and extraordinary technical skill.

Victoria discusses Levine's humble beginnings in Boston, his rise through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the influences that shaped his distinctive artistic voice. The conversation explores how artists become powerful storytellers, why observation and integrity are essential to creative expression, and how art continues to inspire meaningful dialogue across generations.

The episode also celebrates the ongoing development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. Victoria shares updates on the museum project and invites listeners to attend upcoming exhibitions and special events that celebrate American art and creativity.

Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, a collector of early 19th and 20th-century American prints, and the visionary spearheading the development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico.

🎨 MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center is hosting two special exhibition weekends featuring "American Etching Revival" and "Five Artists Do the West," along with hands-on art activities for children and families.

📅 October 10–11 & October 17–18

Learn more about the exhibitions and upcoming events:

https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/exhibits-events

🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE

- Read Victoria's article on Jack Levine: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/articles/jack-levine-american-political-artist

- Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/

- Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/

- World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/

- Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/

This episode is part of Big Blend Radio's America 250 programming, celebrating the artists and creative visionaries who have shaped America's cultural heritage.

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Experience the magic of outdoor movies in beautiful Ojai, California, as Nicholas Weissman, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and President of the Ojai Film Society, shares how this nonprofit organization is bringing communities together through free outdoor cinema at the historic Libbey Bowl.

Founded in 1988, the Ojai Film Society has become a cultural cornerstone, showcasing classic films, acclaimed documentaries, and independent cinema while making the movie-going experience accessible to everyone. Nicholas discusses the Society's history, its community-driven mission, the revival of outdoor movie screenings following the pandemic, and why seeing films on the big screen remains such a powerful shared experience.

Along the way, discover why Ojai is one of California's most charming destinations, known for its thriving arts scene, scenic hiking trails, olive oil tasting, wineries, and stunning mountain sunsets.

2026 Ojai Film Society Summer Screening Series

🎬 July 2 – Hunt for the Wilderpeople

🎬 July 10 – Selena y Los Dinos

🎬 July 17 – Cookie Queens

🎬 July 24 – Best in Show

🎬 August 20 – Arrival

🎬 August 27 – Jurassic Park

Whether you're a lifelong movie lover, an independent film enthusiast, or planning a California getaway, this conversation celebrates the joy of experiencing films together under the stars.

Learn more about the Ojai Film Society and upcoming screenings: https://ojaifilmsociety.org/

Learn more about Nicholas Weissman's filmmaking work: https://vacationland.film/

Poster image courtesy Ojai Film Society: Jadyn Chen

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