JEANERETTE, LA – The Louisiana Association of Museums bestowed its Elizabeth McLundie Bolton Award on Gail Garcia, Iberia Parish local philanthropist and Jeanerette Museum chair, on Monday, September 12, 2016, at LAM's annual conference in Lafayette.
The award recognizes an individual outside the museum profession for extraordinary achievement in service to and outstanding support of Louisiana museums, involving long term commitment to them and participation in statewide museum activities.
"I am very honored to be the recipient of the Louisiana Association of Museums award," Garcia said. "The Jeanerette Museum is truly a team effort and this honor really belongs to all its many volunteers and supporters. The museum has been a special part of my life and I can't wait to see what the future will bring for me, the museum and our community."
Garcia was born in Jeanerette and has lived in the city all her life. She has served as the Iberia Parish Library community relations coordinator and St. Mary Parish Library public relations and programming coordinator. She is also a former photojournalist who worked for more than 15 years at area newspapers. She was recognized nationally by the American Library Association and Grolier Books for best public relations campaign in the United States.
Garcia was named Jeanerette's Outstanding Citizen of 2012, received the Public Humanities Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in 2009, and was named one of the top 20 outstanding Women of Acadiana by the Crowley Art Association.
She has served Iberia Parish in numerous clubs and organizations and is currently on the Iberia Parish Tourist Commission board.
"Jeanerette and Iberia Parish are so very fortunate to be benefactors of Gail's devotion to our community," said Fran Thibodeaux, Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau's executive director. "We thank her for sharing her time, special talents and setting a high standard for community service."
The Louisiana Association of Museums' annual conference brings the best in museum practices, communicates breaking developments, and adds new vitality to the museum field. Visit LAM's website for details.
