A Cane River Sojourn

Share on

Porches, peeling paint, potholes, prayer & plastic-covered quilts.


The Cane River National Heritage Area in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, is known for its Creole culture and unique architecture. A journey along Louisiana Highway 1 through the central part of the state will take you past burning cane fields at summer’s end, ancient pecan groves and Creole cottages filled with their original furnishings. It is rich in multicultural history, and it is the place where folk artist Clementine Hunter and authors Kate Chopin and Lyle Saxon were inspired to create memorable works.

I chose to bring my camera here, to the oldest community covered by the Louisiana Purchase, to create a visual document of a vanishing world. —Melanie Parent



Melanie Parent has been searching for the past two years for what remains of the places she knew as a child growing up in northwest Louisiana. Her past exhibits include the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Magale Library at Centenary College and the Mansfield State Historic Site. Artspace Shreveport will host her largest solo exhibit in July 2018. (All photos © Melanie Parent)

Share on

Submit a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *