Golden Arches at ArtBreak Festival
The iconic Golden Arches of McDonald’s have been a notable sight in the ArtBreak Festival since the early 1990s. The involvement began when Roy & Nelva Griggs recognized an opportunity to bring joy to numerous children. With their business, Griggs Enterprises, they became significant sponsors of the ArtBreak Festival, facilitating over 100 performances throughout the week on the headline McDonald’s stage.
After the retirement of Roy Griggs, the reins were passed to Tony Gilley, Debbie Gilley, and Tony Gilley Jr. from Gilley Enterprises, Inc.-McDonald’s. They added sixteen Shreveport-Bossier area McDonald’s to their existing portfolio of 24 McDonald’s spread across Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. The Gilley family soon met with the ArtBreak team and Caddo Parish Schools to see how they could collaborate with ArtBreak, highlighting their belief in investing in our children’s future.
“ArtBreak is a wonderful platform to give back to the community, support student creativity, and allow many of our young ones to display their gifted artistic abilities,” conveyed Owner-Operator Tony Gilley. He also acknowledged the role of SRAC (Shreveport Regional Arts Council) in offering children an opportunity to showcase the quality of fine art through a rich diversity of culture and creativity for 38 years.
Gilley added, “ArtBreak has created unity and sparked creativity and innovation among our kids. I believe it has also improved academic performance and offered many students the opportunity to experience and participate in ArtBreak. We owe a lot to SRAC for giving Gilley Enterprises, Inc.-McDonald’s, the opportunity to support, partner, showcase our brand visibility, with the Golden Arches at ArtBreak 2024.”
Pam Atchison, who was involved in forming the first ArtBreak Festival in 1984, expresses gratitude to the Gilley family for continuing the commitment initiated by the Griggs family. She added that “It is essential that we nurture both the local and national corporate community as ArtBreak receives increased national recognition as a S.T.E.A.M. educational festival based on making learning fun.
The festival’s growth will also be complemented by exciting new elements in McDonald’s decor and branding, contributing a refreshed energy and charm, particularly geared to delight the children.” A visit from the popular character, the Hamburglar, at the Gilley Enterprises/McDonald’s stage, is anticipated to bring joy to children of all ages, adding an exciting touch to the performances.
The community-building initiative through ArtBreak partners correlates with an old African Proverb, “It takes a village,” signifying the shared responsibility in raising children and cultivating their talents.
The involvement of organizations such as the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and Gilley Enterprises aligns directly with this commitment to nurturing talent, encouraging creativity, and instilling a sense of community.
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