Published Noember 11, 2026

MONROE, La. - The ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to announce its current exhibition by internationally renowned illustrator Denise Gallagher. Gallagher is a New Orleans-born author and illustrator who loves folk tales, music, and nature, and is inspired by the mystery and magic of her Louisiana home.  

“Dragons, Talking Trees, and a Rain Bull: The Illustrations of Denise Gallagher” is currently on display in ULM’s Bry Gallery, 4101 Desiard St. on the ULM campus. The exhibition runs from October 26 - November 19, 2026. On Thursday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m., Gallagher will give an artist presentation in Sandel Hall, Room 236, with a reception to follow in Bry Gallery at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.  

Gallagher has written and illustrated picture books and has illustrated folk tales from regions including Louisiana, Canada, and more. Her newest book, How to Calm a Rain Bull: And Other Stories of the Changing Seasons from Around the World, published by UK-based publisher Moon + Bird Books and distributed in the US by Penguin Random House, was released in September 2026. Denise is the Illustrator Coordinator for the Louisiana/Mississippi region of SCBWI and sits on the editorial board of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press. Her art has been displayed in Los Angeles, New York, and throughout the United States 

This collection of her work includes bright, colorful illustrations from her picture books A Tip Tap Tale and Moonsong. It also includes darker, fairytale-like images from illustrated Cajun and Canadian folktales as well as samples of her process sketches and work from her newest book, How to Calm a Rain Bull, a collection of folktales from around the world that she curated, retold, and illustrated.  

About the ULM Art Program 

The University of Louisiana Monroe Art Program offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art with concentrations in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Painting. The BFA is a professional degree comprised of 120 credit hours. Art Program curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge, experience in diverse artistic media, and development of technical skills, art historical knowledge, and creative problem-solving. 

Bry Hall is the primary building of the ULM Art Program. Bry Hall houses studio classroom facilities for painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, printmaking, and three-dimensional design, including a Mac lab with computers for 3-D and Photography.