By Kevin Shannahan

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member at 780 Front St., Suite 105 Tuesday, February 25. Mike’s Gallery was welcomed to the Chamber of Commerce, and to our community, with a traditional ribbon cutting.

Mike’s Gallery is the newest addition to our area’s art scene. The gallery’s owner is Mike Cornelius, a native of Mobile, Alabama who married into a Natchitoches family. Cornelius is an avid historian who noted the numerous connections between Mobile and Natchitoches in the colonial era. This love is reflected in the gallery’s mission: “To procure and show wondrous, beautiful artworks for the enjoyment and illumination of all gallery visitors in support of the heritage and arts of Natchitoches, Louisiana.”

The gallery’s art is an eclectic combination of painting, shell art, sculpture and gift items. The artists are mainly local, but are joined by artists from Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Arkansas.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to Mike Cornelius and the artists in his gallery.

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