Quotes:
"The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism recognized George Marks and Nunu's at Town Market in Arnaudville by designating a Cultural District in 2008 and bestowing the Governor's Arts Award in 2008. We are proud of the positive economic and social impact sparked by dynamic cultural programming. We wish to express our encouragement for the efforts to continue the programming during the reconstruction. George's determination to keep artists working and audiences engaged is a reflection of his insight and wisdom."
State Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
" As manager for the Louisiana Cultural District program I've had the privilege of working with George Marks for several years. Largely due to his efforts and his deep rooted belief in the value of regionalism Arnaudville has become a cultural destination and a shining star among the cultural districts, a model for other communities to emulate."
"Arnaudville had become my favorite spot to send friends looking for a delightful place to spend some time. Good welcoming people, an incredible variety of music, quality arts and crafts, and some of the best food in the state, which is saying a lot. It is a place where French is still spoken and the food and music are part of everyday life. Here's an example, Joe Hall gets up early to smoke the best meat you can image, then teaches kids to play the accordion, then entertains listeners and dancers alike with his Cajun band at night. You just want to go to a place like that and meet those people, enjoy a meal with them and pass a good time."
"The fire destroyed the building, but not what made the place so special. The creativity, vision and determination are still there. By gathering resources and mustering support Nunu's and Town Market will be back, better than ever. Their new slogan says it all- "New-Nu's is better than No-Nu's"
Office of Cultural Development
"NuNu's Town Market, Deux Bayous Gallery, Frederick l'Ecole des Arts, and George Marks Studio --- A collectively amazing, multi-disciplined and diversified venue for arts and culture benefiting not only the people of Arnaudville, St. Martin and St. Landry Parishes, but Acadiana, as well as the many visiting travelers from across the nation and even overseas."
"We are all looking forward to the future with high expectations, which will surely come to fruition through the visions of George Marks, an extremely talented and generous artist, who dared to dream big once before, then resulting in the magic of what was NuNu's." NuNu's Town Market "THE PLACE TO BE"
Gwen Richard, Community Outreach Director Acadiana Center for the Arts
"Nu Nu’s and George Marks are both valuable keys to attracting visitors to our community within Louisiana because they deliver the best that Louisiana has to offer visitors and locals alike from “Culture to Cultured” events in a one-stop shopping venue. As an artist, a local cultural enthusiast and as a business owner George understands all aspects of what our local museums and attractions offer to the cultural diversity of our state and what they contribute to our economic fabric. He has done so much to help the local musicians and artists showcase their talents and he has given many rising stars a venue to develop their creative abilities. The thousands of people and journalist that two-stepped their way into the facility left with a great taste of our local flavor."
Karen Primeaux
Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
"NuNu's had become such a important part of the tourism industry for St. Landry Parish, even in its brief existence and it would be difficult to ever think of Arnaudville without it. Visitors have traveled from near and far to experience this genuine place. A place where one was not just an onlooker, but a participant.
It is ironic that its demise would be at the hands of fire, something that is celebrated each year at Le Feu et l'Eau. But it is because of that celebration that George and his fellow artisans know of the beauty that can be created from this basic element of life. And with their time and talent, the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission is ready support them as they form and mold another Jewel on the Teche!"
Celeste D. Gomez, Director
St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission
"When George Marks and his family created Town Market in Arnaudville, it certainly helped expand the cultural awareness in the area and created a destination point in the northern part of St. Martin Parish. The energy of the establishment was intoxicating to locals and tourists alike and it always brought a smile to my face when someone else discovered the "magic" that was created there. George's enthusiasm for the arts is contagious and I have no doubt that only bigger and better things will be born out of this tragic event.
Dona Degatur Richard, Director
St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission
"I don’t want to dwell on the tragic fire; I want to share with you my take on the “Arnaudville Experiment”. What I found in Arnaudville were living, organically-growing, arts businesses with so many of the cultural aspects that make Louisiana unique. NuNu’s and Town Market are great examples of what cultural economy can do for a community. It provided a venue for music, and dance, and visual arts with culinary delights in the kitchen, and French language spoken in the café. It is amazing the impact artists, non-profits, and for-profit businesses working together in a small Louisiana community can make. I can’t wait to see what wonderful experiences await us when NuNu’s is rebuilt. It meant so much to the community. It would be a great loss not to see it return."
Dána La Fonta – Executive Director, Office of Cultural Development/Division of the Arts.
"In a short amount of time, George Marks was able to galvanize support for the arts and create a “cultural revival” not only for the town of Arnaudville, but for St. Landry Parish. Being just a short distance away, Opelousas was able to benefit from the dynamic events and activities which took place at NuNu’s and the Town Market. We applaud George and his family for their dedication and determination to rebuild what was so precious to the our community and culture."
Melanie Lee
Opelousas Tourism
“The fire at Nu Nu's is not only a loss to the Marks family and the town of Arnaudville, but an amputation of creativity for
our entire culture. At first site of the destruction, I was overwhelmed with a sense of grief not only towards George and
his family but also in relation to my own fears. This could happen to me. Mark Falgout and Jim Phillips had similar
feelings about Nu Nu's situation. We all felt an obligation towards the fallen venue, understanding
the tremendous investment involved in a business as such,
yet unable to comprehend the level of loss.”
Toby Rodriguez
Lakeview RV Park and Beach
