Basin Arts

Christian Smith is a Lafayette born and raised dancer whose artistic journey began in 2021, when he started training and performing under the direction of Leigha T. Porter, founder of F.I.R.E Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory. Through that experience, Christian began developing his movement practice, gaining performance experience, and building a stronger connection to Lafayette’s dance community. Now, Christian is entering a new chapter as a freshman at the University of Louisiana at...

Matthew Huval is a visual artist and musician based in Lafayette, Louisiana. From a young age, Matthew created animations using Macromedia Flash on his family computer and Flipnote Studio on his Nintendo DSi under the moniker “GameRat101.” He also began making music with FL Studio and, while in high school, released mashups on SoundCloud under the same username. Matthew attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 2019 to 2022, studying visual arts with a focus in animation. He...

Savannah Raley is a digital communications specialist, graphic designer, and event coordinator currently based in New Orleans. Previously Basin Arts’ Operations and Engagement Manager, Savannah recently brought her design and communications expertise to Brechtel Hospitality’s team in New Orleans. Though her creative practice looks a little different from that of a traditional studio artist, Savannah’s work lives at the intersection of art and communication. Through graphic design, typography,...