ULM exhibition to showcase illustrations by Louisiana artist

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The University of Louisiana Monroe announced it is showcasing illustrations by Louisiana author and artist Denise Gallagher in an exhibition at Bry Gallery through Nov. 19.

“Dragons, Talking Trees, and a Rain Bull: The Illustrations of Denise Gallagher” features artwork from her picture books, folktale illustrations and process sketches, according to ULM’s School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Gallagher will give an artist presentation at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in Sandel Hall, Room 236. A reception with light refreshments will follow at 5:30 p.m. in Bry Gallery, 4101 Desiard St. on the ULM campus.

The exhibition includes colorful illustrations from Gallagher’s picture books “A Tip Tap Tale” and “Moonsong,” along with darker, fairy-tale-like images from Cajun and Canadian folktales.

It also features work from her newest book, “How to Calm a Rain Bull: And Other Stories of the Changing Seasons from Around the World.” Gallagher curated, retold and illustrated the collection of folktales, which was released in September 2026.

Event organizers note that Gallagher serves as illustrator coordinator for the Louisiana and Mississippi region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and sits on the editorial board of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press.