LPB series dedicates entire half-hour to Louisiana artists beginning October 23
LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – October 15, 2026) – Louisiana artists, creative communities, and cultural traditions take center stage as Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) brings an expanded Louisiana focus to ART ROCKS! THE SERIES. The long-running series returns with all-new episodes Friday, October 23 at 8:00 PM, with the entire 30 minutes now dedicated exclusively to Louisiana art and artists.
The new Louisiana-centered format introduces expanded segments that allow for more in-depth storytelling. The new Featured Artist segment creates a detailed portrait exploring not only the work of the artist, but also the personal journey and inspirations behind it.
The new Impressions segment illustrates how the featured artist’s work resonates within the region, the state, and beyond. Episodes will also introduce Vault Rocks!, a short story from LPB’s archive that complements the featured artist’s story through a related historical connection, tribute, or inspiration.
“Art Rocks! has always celebrated creativity, but this new season gives us the opportunity to focus entirely on the incredible artists and creative communities right here in Louisiana,” says LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett. “With expanded storytelling and a more personal approach, we’re able to explore not just the art itself, but the people, experiences, and traditions that inspire it.”
James Fox-Smith, publisher of Country Roads Magazine, returns as host of the series. The 13th season will feature ten episodes, with five premiering this fall and five more scheduled for spring of 2027.
Artists to be featured this fall include:
- October 23 | Brandon Juan Surtain – Painter
- October 30 | Barton Gilley – Animatronics Artist
- November 6 | Pat & Suzanne Juneau – Metalsmiths
- November 13 | José María Cundin – Painter & Sculptor
- November 20 | Atelier de la Nature – STEAM Education Center
ART ROCKS! THE SERIES also encores Sundays at 5:30 PM on LPB. New episodes will be available to stream beginning the night of their broadcast premiere at lpb.org/artrocks. Episodes from past seasons can be streamed on the program’s website and through the dedicated Art Rocks! playlist on the LPB YouTube channel.
Major production funding for ART ROCKS! is provided by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, with the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Viewers like You!
For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, at (225) 767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161, ext. 4453, or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.
About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana, with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.