Introducing Emma Sonnier

Emma Sonnier is an engaged curator based in Lafayette, Louisiana, whose work is informed by a robust academic background in History and Art History from Loyola University in New Orleans. Her professional journey spans roles as the Visual Arts Coordinator at Acadiana Center for the Arts and co-founder and curator of ARCHIVES Exhibitions, where she has designed immersive exhibitions that preserve artistic legacies while cultivating meaningful dialogue and community engagement. Emma’s approach blends rigorous historical research with innovative curatorial practices, ensuring that each exhibition not only presents unique aesthetic excellence but also situates art within broader social and cultural narratives of the community.

Driven by a commitment to community care and storytelling, Emma is passionate about exposing audiences to art experiences not commonly found within our state. She believes that curation is a civil servant’s role—one that amplifies voices, represents a wide array of cultures and ideas, and creates transformative, positive memories for visitors and donors alike. Her work reflects a dedication to building collections and exhibitions that are as reflective of the community as they are forward-thinking, making Emma a compelling candidate for any institution

dedicated to meaningful, community-driven art and collections.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle is made up of people from all different age groups and career levels. Through my time at Acadiana Center for the Arts, I’ve connected with more established visual artists across Acadiana: people like Jaik Faulk, Jesse Poimbouef, Lynda Frese, Anne Boudreau, Ralph Schexnaydre, Bethany LeJeune, and Lex R. Thomas, as well as many local emerging artists attending UL. Through my work at ARCHIVES, my circle rapidly expanded to include many artists like Herb Roe, Brett Chigoy, Boris Fitzgerald, Caroline Weiss, and so many other influential creatives constantly working on their craft. I like to surround myself with as many different people as possible, so I can better connect the people I work with to find more opportunities for career acceleration. Having a wide pool of connections also enables me to refine my curation skills, working to showcase as many diverse perspectives and narratives as possible. I am a true believer that the more connections the better!

How do you expand your art circle?

I expand my art circle by showing up to creative events in Acadiana and taking that initial risk to walk up and start a conversation with someone I don’t know! Lafayette is a small town, so if I don’t know that person, I typically have at least 1/2 connections to someone they know. Some of my favorite community building events are live performances, art exhibition openings, UL Fine Arts events and open studios, and workshops hosted by local creatives. 

What value do you see in having a creative community?

There is an infinite amount of value in having a creative community. Creative community gives me people to collaborate with, increased opportunities for myself and others, friendships, and a sense of belonging that can be quite difficult to find elsewhere. Discovering and helping to nurture and build this community has not only helped me take my career to the next level, but has more importantly, provided me with hope for the future and an endless well of inspiration. 

How does your artistic approach contribute to  your community?

Through my artistic and curatorial approach, I try to connect different creatives who use similar mediums, explore similar concepts, or have similar stories. Whether it be introducing a poet to a visual artist or introducing a more established artist to an emerging artist, I hope that those connections will blossom into a collaborative project or at the minimum, a connection that can provide both parties with a new perspective or meaningful advice. I would like to think that the group exhibitions I curate introduce people who do not typically have a chance to meet and endow people with the feeling that there are people around who do care about you and your creative practice.