Laurel Valley Plantation—sometimes referred to as Laurel Valley Village—was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 24th, 1978;  it consists of 12,300 acres, and 76 buildings.  It is located 6 miles below Thibodaux, Louisiana on Highway 308.  It was established in 1770 by Acadian exile Etienne Boudreaux and is the site of the largest remaining, most intact, turn-of-the-century, sugar plantation complex in the Southern United States.     

Hollywood movie directors  (like the artists who have fallen under its spell) have been “taken” with the place.  It was featured in the movie "A Lesson Before Dying", an HBO Home Video, released in 1999;  and, before that, the 1994 release:  "Interview with a Vampire," Staring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, & Antonio Banderas.

This exhibit is based on sketches and photographs taken in 1999;  while the structures remain mostly intact today; considerable deterioration caused by natural elements, and some vandalism,  have taken their toll.  –Dan Junot

Those images marked with "acquisition details" are available for sale.

Blacksmith Shop

Medium: Casein  /  Foundation: Illustration Board
Board Size: 30 X 40  /  Frame Size: 34.5 X 44.25
Frame Description: Stained, Varnished White Wood with White Interior Mat.
(Hand Crafted by the Artist)

(acquisition details: danjunot@bellsouth.net)

 

What Remains of the Old Sugar Mill

Photograph upon which painting was based.

 

Photograph upon which painting was based.

 

Summer Southern Sunflowers

All's Quiet at the Old Railroad Barn

Medium: Ink, Charcoal, Conte Crayon  / Foundation: Toned Paper
Paper Size: 5 X 7 /  Frame Size: 9-3/8 X 11-3/8
Frame Description: Wood, Light Walnut Finish,White Mat, Under Glass

(acquisition details: danjunot@bellsouth.net)

Shady Oaks

Medium: Acrylic / Foundation: Canvas Panel
Panel Size: 16 X 20  /  Frame Size: 20 X 24
Frame Description: Hand Crafted, Solid Wood, Resembling Cypress
FRAME NOT SHOWN

(acquisition details: danjunot@bellsouth.net)

Photograph upon which painting was based.

Photograph upon which painting was based.

Medium: Casein  /  Foundation: Textured Wood Panel
Panel Size: 30 X 40  /  Frame Size: 34.5 X 44.25
Frame Description: Stained, Varnished White Wood (Hand Crafted by the Artist)
FRAME NOT SHOWN
(acquisition details: danjunot@bellsouth.net)