Celebrating Creativity at the 2025 Lufkin's Micro Grant Reception

Joyce Jackson — Art Bags

Sharon Kruk — The Coalition’s Mural

Bryant “Sharkbait” Jackson — Sharkbait Spraypaint School

Ashley Cook — Hope for Justice and Healing Harold's House East Texas Alliance for Children

Rachel Molandes — Wild at Heart in East Texas

Valena Spradley — Snap School: No Fancy Camera Needed

Eva Jurinek — Make Kurth Library’s Drop Boxes Pop

Jessie Licht — Beverly Hillbillies the Musical

Heather Hatton — Mural with the MET

The 2025 Lufkin Creative Micro Grant Reception, hosted at Fidone Fine Arts Gallery, was a powerful celebration of creativity and community. Nine inspiring projects received support through Lufkin Creative’s Micro Grant program, each one bringing new opportunities for art to thrive in Lufkin.

These projects reflect the mission of Lufkin Creative: to uplift, educate, and transform through the arts.

Meet the 2025 Lufkin Creative Micro Grant Recipients

• Joyce Jackson - Art Bags

  • Partnering with Lufkin Art Guild to provide children in foster care and difficult situations with art supply bags, encouraging play, creativity, and expression.

• Sharon Kruk - The Coalition’s Mural

  • With artist Suzy Childers, creating a downtown mural that promotes resilience and positive mental health, serving as a protective factor against substance misuse.

• Bryant “Sharkbait” Jackson - Sharkbait Spraypaint School

  • Teaching legal spray-paint art classes to transform graffiti skills into community murals, including future plans for the skate park.

• Ashley Cook - Hope for Justice and Healing

  • Partnering with Harold’s House East Texas Alliance for Children to create a downtown art show during Child Abuse Prevention Month, raising awareness and hope.

• Rachel Molandes - Wild at Heart in East Texas

  • Partnering with the Lufkin Zoo or Naranjo Museum to create a mural inspired by East Texas wildlife and florals, celebrating the beauty of our natural surroundings.

• Valena Spradley - Snap School: No Fancy Camera Needed

  • Partnering with Anchor V Photography to host free workshops that teach photography using only a phone or tablet, making creativity accessible to everyone.

• Eva Jurinke - Make Kurth Library’s Drop Boxes Pop

  • Partnering with Kurth Memorial Library and Lufkin Art Guild to transform book return drop boxes into vibrant public art.

• Jessie Licht - Beverly Hillbillies the Musical

  • Partnering with Angelina Community Theatre and Angelina Arts Alliance to produce The Beverly Hillbillies at The Pines Theater with reusable sets, costumes, and props.

• Heather Hatton - Mural with the Museum of East Texas

  • Partnering with artist Brittney Oliver to guide high school students in mural classes, culminating in a large-scale downtown mural as their final project.

Why It Matters

These nine projects are examples of how small but meaningful grants can have a lasting impact. From murals and performances to youth workshops and public art, each project helps spark creativity, strengthen community connections, and ensure the arts remain central to life in Lufkin.

Get Involved

The Micro Grant program is only possible because of the dedication and support of our board, volunteers, and community partners. If you would like to support this work or get involved, reach out to Lufkin Creative. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant arts community.