Rev. Tom Peyton
The Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival of First United Methodist Church, Alexandria, Louisiana, was established in 1967 to encourage use and understanding of the arts as a means of healthy expression. The First Annual Festival presented the first juried art competition in Central Louisiana. For more than half a century, the Festival has offered a variety of exhibits as well as programs of music, film, literature and drama. The Festival was renamed in 1980 to honor the memory of The Rev. Tom Peyton, a former associate minister whose ministry to the entire community’s arts and educational efforts was especially significant. An endowment in Peyton’s memory contributes to the Festival’s budget, which is otherwise supported by patrons’ gifts and grants. The Festival enjoys the guidance and services of the church’s staff and the use of its facilities. The core of the Festival remains the juried art exhibit.
TOM PEYTON MEMORIAL ARTS FESTIVAL:
April 17–26, 2026
The art exhibits open at 6 p.m. on April 17, 2026 and are open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and during special events.
All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.
FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE COMING SOON