Madisonville continues to grow with the new developments of an art and litter-prevention organization.

Art for Madisonville, the tiny town's newest and only art association, was presented at Wednesday's Town Council meeting. Art gallery owner Pat Ward founded the non-profit organization after realizing the large supply of artists in the area.

"It's basically a group of artists and art lovers in our area who want to promote artists and art," he said. The group consists of artists of all types with skills in photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery and ceramics.

Ward believes the influx of artists to Madisonville involves two reasons.

"I know that part of it is a result of Katrina," he said. "But the other appeal is just the nature of the town and the riverfront. The local beauty."

Part of the initial development of the association is the establishment of a local art market along the riverfront that will maintain booths showcasing artists and their works. In fact, the first event scheduled for the organization is an art market that will take place on the banks of the Tchefuncte River.

For more information or to become a member, call 845-0458.

Also introduced at the council meeting was the creation of the Keep Madisonville Beautiful organization.

Madisonville Chamber of Commerce President Kim Hahn said the chamber had spent the last nine months getting involved with the Keep America Beautiful campaign, which will ultimately lead to their involvement in the Keep Louisiana Beautiful program.

"This will give us a lot of opportunities on programs on litter and waste reductions," she said. "It also opens up a lot of grants and educational programs for us."

Hahn stated her purpose was to go before the town and request a letter endorsing the organization forming a synergy with the community.

"Before we went through all the legwork, we wanted to make sure everybody was looking at it as a good thing," Hahn said.

She also said to substantiate the group, a board of eight community members was already in the makings to run the organization.

Also discussed at the meeting:

The council approved a request by Samantha Goowin to reschedule the Strolling on the River festival from March 14 to May 18.

The council approved Danny O'Flaherty's request to host the Irish Festival at the ballpark on April 18 and 19, 2009.

Councilman Mark Badeaux suggested the town consider a community park be developed at the "old ballpark."