Roux for a Reason: McNeese Visual Arts ‘Gumbowl’ fundraiser set

Published 4:32 am Thursday, January 29, 2026

When the first cold front of the new year cuts through the humid air of Southwest Louisiana and sends thermometers dipping, it signals the unofficial — but absolutely sacred — start of “gumbo weather.”

McNeese State University Department of Visual Arts students know this to be true and are ready to whet area appetites. The department is hosting their annual “Gumbowl” lunch fundraiser 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the Shearman Fine Arts Annex Atrium.

Tickets are $20 and proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help defray costs of McNeese ceramics students attending the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference in Detroit. There will be no pre-sale; the event is a first-come, first-served basis.

Ken Baskin, an associate professor of art, said ticket holders can choose between chicken and sausage gumbo or seafood gumbo and select a handmade ceramic bowl from among 500 pieces crafted by ceramics students and faculty members.

Mari and James Bittner, owners of Brick House Catering and Events will donate the gumbo for the event.