NEW IBERIA — New Iberia artist Paul Schexnaydercame to the 'Super Shell' gas station as a child. Now, years later, he is involved in an art project that will rejuvenate the building.
"That was the Super Shell gas station, and my brothers and sister every time we passed would make me say it. I couldn't say my S' so I would say Hooper Hell. They would laugh, they loved it," Schexnayder said.
Located on the corner of South Lewis and Main Street, Schexnayder says it's the first thing people see going into the historic district.
"It's the entrance into the historic district on Main Street. So I think it'll be a great welcoming to the district," Schexnayder said.
Months ago, the artist reached out to the owners, wanting to do a mural on the building, but things fell through. Recently, Josh Pellerin saw a Facebook post about the building, with many calling it 'an eyesore.'
"There was just a bunch of negativity in the post, and the comments, so I felt like something needed to be done other than people talking about it," Pellerin said.
Now Pellerin's wife, Tiffani, and Schexnayder are working together designing artwork for the building.
"I want to Schex it up, Shexnayder it up! More ideas the better, 'So people should call you?' Oh absolutely, or even just send me something," Schexnayder said.
Pellerin said they are forming a committee with the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce.
"We'll just kind of vote, take a vote, maybe send it out on Facebook, see what the public likes best, the chamber likes. Of course it all depends on the Broussards, the owners of the building," Pellerin.
A timeline of when the project will take place has not been set, but people should expect to see the artwork within the next two to three months.
