ONE LIGHT: A Journey Through Shared Connection — Exhibition by Mark Biletnikoff
About the Exhibition
This exhibition explores the profound theme of "One Light," symbolizing the shared illumination that connects us all. Art serves as a vessel for this light, allowing artists to express insights, inspirations, and reflections rooted in their unique experiences. Whether representing literal light, examining its effects in daily life, or abstractly exploring feelings of illumination, artists are encouraged to delve into the multifaceted nature of light and energy.
At the core of the exhibition is the understanding of energy as a vital force shaping perception, interaction, and knowledge. It highlights how, across cultures and philosophies — from Eastern traditions like Buddhism to Western thought — energy and connection are fundamental to our shared human experience. The exhibit invites interpretations that weave together personal narratives with universal themes of spirituality, nature, and interconnectedness.
"One Light" reflects not only a collective illumination but also the gift of creativity itself — the innate capacity to channel inspiration, transforming intangible ideas and emotions into tangible works of art. Creativity acts as a conduit for perceiving, interpreting, and communicating the unseen forces that influence our perceptions and interactions.
The Theme
"One Light — a collective illumination and the gift of creativity itself, connecting us across every culture, philosophy, and lived experience."
Artists are encouraged to explore the "space between" — those subtle moments of pause, reflection, and perception that reveal the nuances of connection. The theme is open to interpretation, including literal, symbolic, or non-objective expressions, and all media will be considered, including painting, sculpture, textiles, dance, and video. Each accepted work will be accompanied by a brief artist statement illuminating their vision and connection to this shared energy. The final exhibition will be a curated compilation of works that embody and inspire the powerful theme of One Light — illustrating how individual expressions contribute to the collective understanding of connection, energy, and shared humanity.
Panel of Jurors
Meet the Jurors
ONE LIGHT is shaped by a distinguished panel of jurors whose expertise spans curation, studio practice, and arts administration.
Mark Biletnikoff
Cultural Leader & Curator | Founder, B Curation | Curator, ONE LIGHT
Mark Biletnikoff holds a B.A. in Visual Art/Design from Southeastern Louisiana University, studied at the Academy of Fine Art San Francisco, and earned dual master's degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design — an M.A. in Arts Administration and an M.A. in Preservation Design. Recipient of the 2025 Michael Crespo Community Excellence Fellowship and the Clinard Making a Difference Endowment Award, he brings over a decade of experience bridging curatorial practice, cultural stewardship, and community engagement. Founder of The Art Angel Project and the Farmstead Project, Mark designs thematic exhibitions that place the artist at the center — fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and creating participatory experiences that uplift community, culture, and shared identity.
John Michael Byrd
Juror — Painter & Educator
John-Michael Byrd holds an MFA in Studio Arts from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and a BFA in Painting and Drawing from Louisiana State University. Primarily a painter, he has also worked in drawing, collage, objects, performance, and printmaking. His work has been featured in numerous regional and national exhibitions, including nearly a dozen solo shows across Louisiana, Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York. His work has appeared in The Oxford American, Studio Visit Magazine, Hyperallergic, 225 Magazine, The Advocate, and many others. Byrd's practice centers on absurdity and the uncanny — juxtaposing appropriated imagery to resolve the gap between the artificial and the real. He currently works as an Academic Advisor at SVA.
Richard Hammar
Nashville based Industrial Designer, International Art & Antique Collector, Glass Artist
Bio coming soon.
Denise Plauché
Juror
Denise Plauché is an illustrator and animator with a background in fine arts and graphic design residing in Atlanta, GA. Her work has been recognized by Adobe, American Illustration, Dragon Con Independent Film Festival, Louisiana International Film Festival, Luerzer's Archive, Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, Louisiana State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, 3x3, Print, Creative Quarterly, AOI, ASIFA, and Applied Arts, among others.
Participating Artists
Artists
The full roster of participating artists will be announced soon. Check back as we approach the November 18, 2026 opening.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Details
Opening Reception
November 18, 2026
On View
Opening November 18, 2026
Admission
Free and open to the public
Venue
Shaw Center for the Arts — Gallery at Manship 100 Lafayette Street Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Gallery at Manship ↗
Community & Access
Community & Access
ONE LIGHT is free and open to the public. This exhibition celebrates the interconnectedness of all things, emphasizing how the collective expression of art illuminates the profound bonds that unite us. By engaging with One Light, both artists and viewers are invited to discover meaningful connections that transcend individual perspectives — on this ongoing journey of understanding and expression. Programming around the exhibition will include artist talks, community workshops, and educational events for local schools.
Partners & Institutions
Shaw Center for the Arts
Host Institution
Gallery at Manship
Exhibition Venue
Baton Rouge Arts Community
Community Partner
A Note from the Curator
"It is an invitation to explore both personal and universal truths, revealing how our thoughts, emotions, and actions ripple beyond the individual to create a unified experience. Ultimately, this exhibition celebrates the interconnectedness of all things — and how our collective expression of art illuminates the profound bonds that unite us."
— Mark Biletnikoff, Guest Curator
Plan Your Visit
ONE LIGHT opens November 18, 2026 at the Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge. Free and open to the public. Closing date to be announced.