Opelousas Museum Launches “Where We Live” Photo Project

Capturing the Spirit of Neighborhoods
OPELOUSAS, LA – The Opelousas Museum has launched a new initiative, Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods Project, inviting residents to share photographs that celebrate the city’s unique neighborhoods. From August 1 to November 15, 2025, community members can submit photos highlighting the everyday beauty, history, and identity of places such as The Hill, the Oil Mill, and Brickyard. As Psalm 133:1 reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This project encourages pride, connection, and shared storytelling across Opelousas.

A Community-Driven Celebration
The museum encourages both youth and adults to participate, capturing anything from friends on a porch to a neighborhood basketball game. Selected photos will be featured in the Where We Live exhibit, giving voice to residents through their own perspective. Museum Director Patrice Melnick emphasized the importance of neighborhood pride, saying, “They’re proud of their neighborhoods. It’s a part of their identity… it’ll create a stronger sense of community between us.” Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” reflecting the way community projects can strengthen bonds among neighbors.

Learning and Sharing Together
In addition to submissions, the museum will host free photography classes in September. Participants can learn techniques such as creative angles, color versus black and white, and editing to enhance their storytelling. The initiative encourages residents to preserve and celebrate their personal memories and the shared history of Opelousas.

Prayer for Community and Creativity
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of community and the beauty of the places where we live. Bless the residents of Opelousas as they share their stories through photography. Inspire creativity, connection, and unity through this project. May these images reflect Your goodness and strengthen the bonds of family, friendship, and neighborly love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.