NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. The competition provides an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

This year, the artwork submitted for the competition by students living within U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert's congressional district will be displayed in Griffith Gallery on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches will be open during a portion of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, gallery officials have announced.

Cole Art Center will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 24 and 25, closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, and open Saturday, Nov. 28, for the downtown Wassail Fest and Main Street's holiday lighting contest.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Jordan Maddox, a graduate student studying accounting in the Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University, participated in the 2015 Project Run With It competition, where he and his team placed first for their work with the not-for-profit organization, Sojourner Family Peace Center. Maddox's team worked specifically on the Sojourner Family Peace Center's shelter, the Sojourner Truth House.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and the Children's Performing Arts Series will present "Kids For President" in two performances Friday, Dec. 4, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

Just in time for the 2016 presidential election year, "Kids for President" is comprised of several short plays and songs adapted from children's writings, capturing their curiosity and excitement about the election process.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's Jacks Council on Family Relations is serving more than 100 families through its annual Thanksgiving Homebound project.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University voice students will present eight staged and semi-costumed opera scenes in a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

"Fall Opera Scenes" will feature upper level and graduate students enrolled in the opera class taught by Dr. Gene Moon, director of orchestras and musical director of opera, and Dr. Deborah Dalton, associate professor of voice and opera at SFA.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Leading seems to be second nature for Tristian Harris, who is Stephen F. Austin State University's Lumberjack Marching Band drum major and Student Government Association president.

Harris' leadership will be broadcast nationwide as the LMB makes its debut at about 10:06 a.m. CST in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

While many Stephen F. Austin State University students will spend a relaxing Thanksgiving Day at home celebrating the holiday with family and friends, the members of The Lumberjack Marching Band will be far from home representing SFA in a big way.

Thursday at approximately 10 a.m., the Lumberjack Marching Band will take the "Boldest Sound from the Oldest Town" to New York City where members will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and show their university pride in the band's signature spirited style.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches. Dr. Dave Creech, SFA Gardens director, will present "Special Trees of SFA Gardens."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Looking for a unique holiday gift for a friend or loved one? Tickets to see The 5 Browns when they perform Dec. 18 in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus just might be the answer to filling your holiday shopping list.

The widely popular sibling pianists will bring their Christmas spirit to Nacogdoches with a program of holiday favorites when they perform as part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, on Turner stage.