Free First Sunday: Back to School Bash
Sunday, August 2 from 1—4 PM • Free and open to the public to attend
Kick off the school year with a creative celebration! Explore the galleries and make a cute keychain for your backpack. At 2 PM join Roux’s First Day author Julie Gerdes Becnel for story time featuring a Louisiana-themed sing-along by musician Ashley Orlando. Illustrator Cullen Bernard will also be here to chat with visitors and share the creative process behind bring Roux's story to life. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
Julie Gerdes Becnel
Author: Julie Gerdes Becnel
Julie Gerdes Becnel has always been enchanted by the myths and folk tales that shape our collective imagination. Her love of storytelling has taken many forms: from poetry and short fiction to the two children's plays she authored, Journey to the Emerald City and Into the Swamp, which toured with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Ballet for Children program. Through her creative consultancy, Little Rouge Hen, she helps organizations tell their own stories with clarity and heart. She draws inspiration from the folklore and natural beauty of her Louisiana home. When she isn’t writing or helping clients, she can be found exploring nature with her husband, two children (Bug & Bean), and her very own Lou-ga-rou. Her debut children’s book, Roux’s First Day, was released this year by Pelican Publishing.
Cullen Bernard
Illustrator: Cullen Bernard
“I have been creating art for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was captivated by the wonder of animation. As I got older, my love for storytelling evolved through the pages of comic books that inspired me to develop a style of my own. Today, I combine those early influences with a passion for storytelling to create vibrant, character-driven illustrations. Whether I'm crafting whimsical universes from scratch or collaborating with authors to bring their stories to life, my goal remains the same: to create art that sparks wonder, inspires joy, and lingers in the hearts of readers.”
Ashley Orlando
Music: Ashley Orlando
Often referred to as a “joyologist” and a “breath of fresh air,” Ashley Orlando is a Baton Rouge-based jazz vocalist and ukulele artist who loves helping children and families experience the joy of making music together. A proud Louisiana native, she brings stories to life through singing, movement, and interactive musical play. Whether leading a joyful sing-through of a favorite book or inviting little ones to clap, dance, and join in on familiar tunes, Ashley creates engaging experiences that inspire imagination, connection, and creativity.
