Faces of Walker
Why is Walker the place to be? Hear all that this community has to offer through the voices of those who have chosen to make it their home.
Marita Gentry
Artist/Illustrator
41 years old
Years in Walker: 17
What brought me here: I graduated from Denham Springs High, got married and moved with my husband to Virginia [he was in the Navy]. I came back and lived in Loranger for a year. My husband and I both had jobs in Baton Rouge and the commute was too long. We picked Walker because of the country atmosphere, the schools, and we found our first little home here. We intended to sell after a few years and build ... we have remodeled twice. I don't know if we will ever sell.
About my work: I am a professional artist/illustrator. I am self-employed and have a studio behind my house. I do many things in the realm of an artist. I paint expressive landscapes, figures and florals. I have work in several galleries and participate in many shows around the area. I do commissions upon request. I illustrate childrens' books, and have two published, The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. I have another to be released in September 2010 called The Gigantic Sweet Potato. They are published by Pelican Publishing of Gretna. I also work in the different school systems as a professional teaching artist. In Livingston Parish, I have about 10 murals created in collaboration with the students of the particular schools. They range in sizes from 4'x8' to 8'x28'.
My favorite spot in Walker: I have painted many spots in Walker. I loved the field where Stine's has built a new store. I have a beautiful painting of the fog in early fall and the pine trees. I used to love the field where the new Winn Dixie is, at night with the moon shining through the trees. I like our town because it has many modern needs, but still a hint of country and there are attempts to keep it visually pretty.
Why I love Walker: I like the location of Walker, close to the big city, but with a small community feel. I like the fact that my daughter started kindergarten and graduated from the same schools with the same friends. I like the sense of community, knowing and caring for people over a long period of time. I love to travel and my husband and I do a lot, but I like coming home, and that is what Walker is ... my home.