Nicholls State University
Division of Art

Mandy Buisson Holloway, Mandy Lens Photography

Mandy Buisson Holloway is a practicing professional photographer in Thibodaux, La. She founded her studio, Mandy Lens Photography, upon graduation from Nicholls in 2003.

“I would like to thank Nicholls State University for giving me a strong foundation in fine arts as well as strengthening my love for photography,” Holloway says. “The art curriculum constantly pushed my creative talents to higher levels. The supporting faculty and staff shaped and molded me as they well equipped me for the outside world. I owe my success as a photographer to God, my family and the Nicholls Art Department.”

Mark Olivier, Kern Studios

Mark Olivier is the prop shop manager for Kern Studios in New Orleans, handling some of the largest art projects in the world. Kern Studios creates parade floats for Mardi Gras, Nickelodeon and Universal Studios as well as themed entertainment worldwide.

Olivier is also the assistant to the vice president of construction and design, managing 15 painters, sculptors, papier mache artists, fiberglass workers, mold makers, hard coat specialists and project managers. He attributes his success to the education he received in art history, design, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, teaching and critical thinking at Nicholls.

“The instruction I received from the Nicholls art program has more than prepared me for my career in the art world,” Olivier says.