The new Louisiana arts specialty license plates are now available for pre-order, showcasing a vibrant tribute to the state's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Unveiled by the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts (LPA), the plates feature a stunning design by Lafayette author and illustrator Denise Gallagher, highlighting a stylized pelican surrounded by symbols of Louisiana’s diverse art forms, including musical instruments, books, and wildlife.
"I tried to include all aspects of art—music, literature, drawing, painting, dance, and wildlife," Gallagher explained. "I’ve been waiting more than a year to share this news." Her design encapsulates the spirit of Louisiana’s unique cultural landscape, blending her love for the state’s folklore with the challenge of fitting so much into the compact space of a license plate.
Gallagher’s artwork was selected from 111 entries in a juried competition organized by LPA, following a call for artists through the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Her near-complete design was refined with input from Angola Prison’s print shop, where the plates are produced using traditional printing techniques. This collaboration required her to adjust the design to meet the specific constraints of old-school equipment and Pantone color printing.
Despite these challenges, Gallagher is thrilled with the final result. "They needed someone who understood the printing process and could work in Pantone colors," she said. "I think it came out great. I’ve never had to wait this long to share such exciting news."
The license plate features a variety of Louisiana imagery, including an egret, crab, fiddle, and trumpet, set against an aqua-blue background. It also bears the phrase "Laissez les ARTS Rouler" (Let the Arts Roll), a playful nod to Louisiana’s famous "laissez les bons temps rouler" (let the good times roll). Gallagher hopes the design will capture attention outside the state. "I would love for people who see it to feel like Louisiana must have a real story to tell, a rich history to share," she added.
Initially, only 200 plates are being produced, with the first 20 reserved for those who want to support LPA through a deeper investment. The plates can be pre-ordered at
www.artforlouisiana.com, with proceeds benefiting the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, a statewide alliance dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all Louisianans through arts advocacy.
The plates, priced at $64 including fees, will be available through the Office of Motor Vehicles. Gallagher’s design not only promotes Louisiana’s thriving arts community but also pays homage to the state’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, offering a moving tribute to the Bayou State’s artistic legacy.
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