2021 Gumbo CookOff Poster Unveiled
Congratulations to Lori Buteau, who is joining an esteemed group of local artists, as the creator of the official 2021 World Championship Gumbo CookOff poster design. Over 20 submissions were received this year, and the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce is deeply humbled by the amount of effort and creativity that went into each design.
Buteau is a local school teacher at Westgate High School, where she teaches art- something she clearly has a knack for. Buteau says she really started to hone her craft in high school, though she’s always been an artistic person. When she reflects on how it feels to have her work recognized, Buteau says “It’s as exciting as it is humbling. I’ve been able to express myself creatively and follow the same process that I teach my students. My students have been so supportive and excited for me, and I can’t wait to share this with them.”
Even Buteau’s family members recall her always having an artistic soul. Her mom remembers iconic artists from the area like George Rodrigue, as she explains how surreal it is to see her daughter join the artistic tapestry that makes up New Iberia and the World Championship Gumbo CookOff.
Buteau’s artwork this year features a “gumbo witch” brandishing her roux spoon, her “flying monkeys” (a wood duck and alligator in a flying monkey costume), and of course key elements of New Iberia like the Evangeline Theatre marquee and cane fields. But Buteau says her favorite part of this year’s artwork is “the crystal ball. Everything about this piece screams New Iberia, and the crystal ball really connects it to the Wizard of Roux.”
When asked if she plans to continue participating after winning the grand prize, Buteau made it clear that she does this for fun. “There’s so many good artists out there, and it’s very competitive. It makes me feel so good that I was chosen, and if anything I’m even more motivated to create something again next year. If you’re considering participating, stick with your gut and what speaks to you in your art.” And as we all know, a Cajun’s gut is never wrong!
The official poster will be available for purchase at the event and is currently available for online purchase and worldwide shipping at iberiachamber.org/gumbocookoff/merchandise. Join Buteau and thousands of other gumbo fans Saturday October 9th and Sunday October 10th for the 31st Annual World Championship Gumbo CookOff in Bouligny Plaza, Downtown New Iberia, LA.
