George Marks
Visual Artist and Social Sculptor
Session: Facing Resistance, Bridging Differences (Saturday, 9 – 10:15am)
George Marks is an award-winning contemporary visual artist and social sculptor living and working in the small rural town of Arnaudvillle, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in fine art with an emphasis on painting and drawing. George is the recipient of the 2017 ICON Award for Cultural Economy by the ABC Fund, the 2017 Jillian Johnson Award for Entrepreneurship in the Cultural Economy by ABIZ, 2016 Foundation for Historical Louisiana Cultural Preservationist; 2008 Louisiana Division of the Arts Leadership in the Arts Governor’s Award; 2007 St. Landry Economic Authority Entrepreneur of the Year Award. His shared awards include: 2015 INNOV8 Acadiana Award; 2013 Louisiana Cultural Economy Hero Award; 2012 Louisiana (Lt. Governor’s) Culture Connection Cultural Districts Award; and, 2012 AARP Great Places award. Marks is a seminal member and outspoken advocate of Louisiana’s culture and arts scene, residing as president and founder of numerous organizations such as the NUNU Arts and Culture Collective and Le Semaine De Francophonie, a five-day summit that helps to build French partnerships between Louisiana’s culture and the francophone world. A reflection of his passion for the French community in and out of Louisiana, Mark’s work revolves around the history and culture of southwest Louisiana, delving into topics such as slavery, human rights and cultural sustainability. From clothing and design to social sculpting, his work can be seen in corporate and private collections around the globe. Marks is an experienced state and local level arts advocate, having served on the boards of the Louisiana State Arts Council and Louisiana Partnership for the Arts. Marks’ work is included in a number of corporate and private collections nationally and internationally including: Oceania Cruise Line: Iberia Bank, La.; Piedmont Hospital, Georgia; and Duckworth Realty, Mississippi. His paintings have exhibited throughout Louisiana and in Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Redon, France; and have been featured in a number of art and design publications including New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest.