Shrimp & Petroleum Festival poster unveiled Monday

Bayou Vista artist Robert Olivier III’s art was chosen as the official poster for the 79th annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival.
Olivier, a Nicholls State University graduate with a bachelor of arts degree, said his inspiration for the 2014 poster was fond memories he holds from past years.
The poster depicts a Shrimp & Petroleum Festival parade down a representative Morgan City street.
“I’ve marched in parades before and participated with it, so I know it brings everybody together and they have fun at parades, so that’s what made me choose the parade theme. For the setting, it’s related to Morgan City, but not depicting any particular part of Morgan City,” Olivier said.
“I wanted to touch home base with memories and that’s why I chose the theme I did,” he added.
The artist has done freelance work while trying to promote the artistic culture in his community. Although his work primarily consists of sketches, he also enjoys creating print media, ceramics and sculptures.
Olivier has entered unique art at various galleries in many different towns.
Winning the festival poster contest “means I can further my artist career and it’s also a means to support my family by branching out and putting my name out there. Winning it encourages me to pursue more art goals and more community goals as well,” Olivier said.
Employed by the St. Mary Parish School Board, Olivier works as a groundskeeper for Morgan City High School. He is married to Amanda Olivier, who is originally from Schriever. Together they have three children: Robert IV, Madison and Trent.
The poster was unveiled Monday afternoon on the front porch of the festival office on Second Street in Morgan City.
The Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival will be held Labor Day weekend, Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 in downtown Morgan City.