Staff

Leigh Anne, Executive Director

Welcome to NCLAC’s blog!

Leigh pictured with jr. drama students.

My name is Leigh Anne Chambers and I have been serving as NCLAC’s Executive Director since May of 2009.   We created this blog to help individuals learn more about what we do and how we do it.  It is our hope that this can be a new way to reach those in our area and open a dialogue about the arts.

I moved to Ruston in the summer of 2006 to attend Louisiana Tech University to pursue my Masters Degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Arts Administration.   I completed my degree in May of 2008.  Before taking the job at NCLAC I worked on a contract basis with various Non Profit Organizations.

I have always been involved in the arts; I performed in my first play at four and have never looked back.    I love living in a community that is submerged in the arts and I am proud to call Ruston my new home.

I believe in the positive things that arts can do for a community.  I believe in the mission and programs of the Arts Council.  Most importantly, I believe that those who live in our area are invested in its future.  It’s because of those reasons that I am committed to what the North Central Louisiana Arts Council does and am eager to be part of where we are going.

“How a community supports the arts provides insight into how the community views itself.”

-          James E. Rogers.

April, Associate Director

Me & Taryn, NCLAC Kids Tent, Ruston Farmer's Market

Hello, everyone!

I am so excited to finally have a blog for NCLAC. Because NCLAC is doing so many things, I’ve been exploding with the need to share it all.

For those of you who may not really know NCLAC or what we do, you can learn more about us here and receive updates on what we’re doing. I also want to introduce myself. My name is April Clark Honaker, and I am the Associate Director.

I am a native of Ruston, born and raised here, and for that reason, this region is close to my heart. Though my Dad is more of an engineering type, he and my Mom were always supportive of my creativity and my passion for the arts, and they always encouraged me to be the best I could be at whatever I did.

Before finding myself at NCLAC, I worked as an English and Writing teacher at Cedar Creek School and as an analyst for Disability Determinations and Medicaid, but I feel I’ve found my calling in Arts Administration.

I have been with NCLAC since May of 2009, a month after receiving my Master of Arts in English. I grow more invested in NCLAC and our mission everyday, and I hope that as you see what we are doing, you will too.

Sincerely,

April C. Honaker

  Jessica, Educational Coordinator

 Hello there!

I am about to finish up my first year as NCLAC’s Educational Coordinator, and I am completely devoted to this busy little Arts Council. We accomplish so much thanks to a dedicated board, invested members, and a thriving arts community.

Before joining NCLAC, I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with Bachelor Degrees in Fine Art (concentrated in Sculpture) and General Studies (concentrated in Humanities.) After graduation I taught Art in Richland Parish to elementary and middle school students.  My next endeavor was owning my own business, Slaughterhead, for which I designed, created and sold wallets and bags with my husband.

Becoming part of the NCLAC team has been a perfect opportunity for me. I believe in supporting the Arts, I believe in Arts Education, and I believe in the importance of community.