Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA

Many from our community don't know how one of our favorite annual events started, but now you do! Thank you Matt Young for helping directly shape the education, perception, and reverence around Lake Charles history.

Enjoy these photographs of Lake Charles history (circa 2018 😎) , and get your tickets for the 6th annual Living History Cemetery Tour on November 2 from 5 PM - 8 PM!

🎟️ https://secure.qgiv.com/for/livinghistorycemeterytour2024/

Living History Cemetery Tour Returns November 2nd!

This fall, guests can take guided walking tours through Lake Charles history and visit historic spots where prominent locals settled into their final resting places! The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA is reviving the Living History Cemetery Tour on Saturday, November 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are ready for purchase at the link below!

Actors will dress in period attire and embody the lives of deceased historic figures as guests will be guided throughout each cemetery. Patrons will listen to stories of each character’s life and their impacts on modern day Southwest Louisiana. Larger-than-life figures will tell their stories and famed feats from their own perspectives!

Featured cemeteries will include Bilbo Cemetery, Sallier Cemetery, Combre Memorial Park, and Orange Grove Cemetery. Patrons will drive to each location at their own pace. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for Children 8-17, and free for children 7 and under (must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult), and can be purchased online today!

There is an easy bird special running now through October 2nd! Purchase your Living History Cemetery Tour tickets now at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/livinghistorycemeterytour2024/

Happy Labor Day from the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA! Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone who contributes to our community. Whether you’re an artist, performer, educator, or supporter, we honor your passion and commitment. Enjoy a well-deserved day of rest and relaxation! 🇺🇸

Cheers🥂

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT!

The City of Lake Charles and the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA are currently accepting nominations from the public for persons to be honored at the 2024 Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony.
The Mayor’s Arts Awards honors those working in the arts by recognizing the contributions of Southwest Louisiana’s creative workers, patrons, and artists to the region’s culture. Mayor Nic Hunter will present the awards to each recipient.

The categories include Artist of the Year, Citizen of the Arts, Citizen of the Humanities, Arts Educator of the Year, Arts Organization of the Year, and Patron of the Year. The Keystone Award is also given to an individual who works diligently behind the scenes, without whom programs and performances would not be possible.
Those who wish to nominate an organization, individual, or group can submit a nomination form at:
https://forms.office.com/r/Miw1RNGqW9

Nominations must be received by the Arts Council office no later than Sunday, September 1, 2024. For more information about this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards, call the Arts Council at 439-2787 or email [email protected].

🌟Board Member Spotlight: Alyson Vamvoras 🌟

Alyson Vamvoras, an attorney who’s rocking the world of child custody and divorce law. She’s been bringing her passion and energy to the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA board for the past three years!

When it comes to her favorite Arts Council event, Alyson doesn't hesitate—"Definitely Chuck Fest!" 🎉 Her love for AHC events started long before she joined the board, often found enjoying the vibes or volunteering at a few. "When asked to be a board member, it was a total no-brainer! I'm proud to help further the mission to support arts and culture initiatives in my hometown and having some fun while doing it. " 🎭

When she’s not in the courtroom or volunteering for the arts, Alyson is the best fur momma to her two adorable pups, Lina and Ruthie. 🐾

Let's give a big shoutout to Alyson for all she does to keep the arts alive!

🎨 Don’t Miss Out! 🖼️

Get ready for an evening of art, culture, and creativity at Gallery Promenade! ✨ Explore downtown Lake Charles where are art, culture and food come together for one night! Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a great time, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s the lineup of artist:
Muller's Vintage featuring Keely Sweeton and Laurel Woof
The Emporium featuring Bradley Meaux
Imperial Calcasieu Museum - Residency at the Museum featuring Robbie Austin, Elizabeth Thompson and Lyd Walls
Luna Bar and Grill Downtown
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Lake Charles featuring Beth LaBiche and Eric Thibodeaux
Bespoke Hat Co. featuring Boyette Blades, Soude Welds Permanent Jewelry and Bohemian Sol
Bux Kajun Korner featuring Jessica Broussard
Brazen Boutique featuring Maegan Gonzales
STELLAR BEANS coffee house & edibles featuring Camille Vizena, Ernest Courville, Stacey Hatten, and Greg Richard
Panorama Music House featuring Asia Ardoin and Blane Bourgeois
3.14 Vintage featuring Jonathan Thomas
Candice Alexander Art Studio
Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center featuring Gallery by the Lake, Squirrelly Scribbles and Claire Chang
Pujo Street Cafe featuring Jen Van Putten, Rachelle Patelleart, Julie Growth, Katherine Petty, Jamar Simien and Kevin Leveque
Olive & Indigo
Mantra Yoga Center

We’ll see you tomorrow from 5 PM to 9 PM. Come experience the magic of our local art scene and downtown Lake Charles! 🎨❤️

🎨✨ Kickoff Weekend for Gallery Promenade! ✨🎨

We’re excited to announce that Gallery Promenade is happening this weekend! 🥳 Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent of local artists across Southwest Louisiana. A huge THANK YOU to all the amazing venues who have graciously opened their doors to host these unique and inspiring artists.

Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of art and culture. See you there! 🎉

🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Meet Jocelyn Kyle Dickson!🌟

Jocelyn Kyle Dickson is the Assistant Branch Manager at Sulphur CSE Federal Credit Union and one of our newest board members! 🌟 This is her first year serving on the board, and her journey into the vibrant arts community of Southwest Louisiana is truly inspiring.

Jocelyn's passion for the arts was ignited during her first Spring Art Walk in 2013, where she was captivated by the creativity and talent on display. "Seeing local artists and the community thriving together really inspired me, and I started attending more events downtown" she shares. She still proudly displays two of the pieces she purchased that day in her home, a constant reminder of the impact that local art can have.

We’re thrilled to have Jocelyn on board and can’t wait to see the contributions she’ll make this year!

🎨 We’re just over a week away from Gallery Promenade, and the excitement is building! Who’s ready to stroll through downtown, surrounded by incredible artists, live music, and the unbeatable downtown vibe? It’s going to be an unforgettable night of art, culture, and community! Saturday, August 24th!

🎨✨ The countdown is on! Gallery Promenade is just around the corner, bringing together local artists and your favorite downtown business for an unforgettable evening of art and food. We can't wait to showcase the creativity and talent that makes our community shine.

🗓 Saturday, August 24th
5:00pm - 9:00pm

Get ready to explore incredible exhibitions, meet talented artists, and enjoy a night of inspiration and connection. See you there!

🎨✨ Exciting news! The Gallery Promenade is just around the corner, and we're thrilled to showcase an incredible lineup of artists at our local downtown businesses. 🖼️🎉 Come support these talented creatives and explore their amazing work throughout our vibrant community. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Muller's Vintage
The Emporium
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Luna Bar and Grill Downtown
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp Lake Charles
Bespoke Hat Co
Bux Kajun Korner
Brazen Boutique
STELLAR BEANS coffee house & edibles
Panorama Music House
3.14 Vintage
Candice Alexander Art Studio
Pujo Street Cafe
Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center

🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Meet Anna Alamond!🌟

Anna is the Creative Specialist at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and a new member serving on our board. She couldn't pick just one favorite event, so she chose two: Gallery Promenade and Spring/Holiday Art Walk.

When asked why she wanted to join the board, Anna shared: "As an artist who participated in AHC events throughout college (graduated from McNeese Spring Class '24!), I was enamored by the community of artists that I never realized existed while growing up. I wanted to join the board to help facilitate the events that connected me with some of the most interesting people!"

Anna has been a tremendous help in teaching us about the history of our city and its historical figures. Thank you, Anna, for all you do! 🙌

The City of Lake Charles and the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA are currently accepting nominations from the public for persons to be honored at the 2024 Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony.

The Mayor’s Arts Awards honors those working in the arts by recognizing the contributions of Southwest Louisiana’s creative workers, patrons, and artists to the region’s culture. Mayor Nic Hunter will present the awards to each recipient.

The categories include Artist of the Year, Citizen of the Arts, Citizen of the Humanities, Arts Educator of the Year, Arts Organization of the Year, and Patron of the Year. The Keystone Award is also given to an individual who works diligently behind the scenes, without whom programs and performances would not be possible.

Those who wish to nominate an organization, individual, or group can submit a nomination form at:
https://forms.office.com/r/Miw1RNGqW9

Nominations must be received by the Arts Council office no later than Sunday, September 1, 2024. For more information about this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards, call the Arts Council at 439-2787 or email [email protected].

Come hang out with us at Movies with the Mayor tomorrow! This weekend we are watching Toy Story 4!

Thank you Lake Charles City Hall for putting on these wonderful community events!

Popcorn, get your popcorn! 🍿

Movies with the Mayor returns this weekend. Don't miss out on this summer movie series that will be fun and FREE for the entire family!

🎬 Movies with the Mayor - Toy Story 4
🗓 Saturday, July 20, 2024
⏰ Doors open at 4:30 pm / Featured Presentation begins at 5 pm
📍 Rosa Hart Theatre / Lake Charles Event Center /
🎯 FREE! Concessions will be available for purchase.

🌟 Board Member Spotlight: Meet Grant Kelly!🌟

Grant is the Marketing Director at Bayou Technologies, LLC and has been serving on our board for two years now. His favorite event? "Chuck Fest, duh!" he says. Growing up in Lake Charles and being surrounded by the local arts community has inspired him to give back.

When asked why he wanted to join the board, Grant shared: "I can remember attending Arts & Humanities Council events throughout my life and have come to understand their importance and impact on a community's quality of life. It has been amazing to witness the effort and compassion that is put into supporting local arts, and I can't wait to help continue it."

Grant is always ready to volunteer and lend a helping hand. Thank you, Grant, for all you do! 🙌

🎭 Join the Living History Cemetery Tour! 🌟

Love to act or passionate about history? We want you to bring historical figures to life! Taking place November 2nd at various locations!

📋 Sign Up Now: https://forms.office.com/r/U2Yx64ECaq

Tag someone who’d love this!

😳 Why should you participate in Gallery Promenade? I'm glad you asked!

▪️Showcase your artwork to the community!
▪️Community Engagement
▪️Show the process of what inspires you to create your art
▪️Gain exposure and recognition within the community
▪️Sell your artwork and grow your client base

📋 How to Register:
Registration is still open! Click the link https://forms.office.com/r/MZ0qZ18yet to complete your application and secure your spot. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something truly amazing. SWLA Pop-up Gallery!

📢 Spread the Word:
Know an artist who would love to participate? Tag them in the comments below or share this post with them!

❤️🤍💙Come buy beer from us at Red White Blue & You!

🙀 Vote for Chuck Fest as Best Local Event/Festival of SWLA !

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Chuck Fest is in the running for Best Local Event/Festival of SWLA in the 2024 People's Choice of SWLA! 🥳

Your support has always been incredible, and now we need your vote to claim the top spot! 🙌

🗳️ How to Vote:
Click the link below.
Scroll down to the "Out & About" category.
Find "Local Event/Festival."
Click "Chuck Fest" and hit submit!
👉 https://www.americanpress.com/contests/best-of-2024/

Thank you for making Chuck Fest the amazing event it is. Let's win this!

📢 Attention Fine Artists! 🎨

Sign-ups are still open for Gallery Promenade on August 24th in downtown Lake Charles! This is your chance to showcase your incredible work to art lovers and collectors from all over. 🌟

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent. Secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community!

🗓️ Date: August 24th
📍 Location: Downtown Lake Charles

Sign up now and let your art shine! ✨ https://forms.office.com/r/MZ0qZ18yet

🎭 Call for Actors! 🎭

Are you passionate about history and love to perform? We're looking for talented actors to bring our local town historians to life for the Living History Cemetery Tour on November 2nd! 🌟

Join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and historical reenactment. No prior acting experience is required—just a love for the arts and history!

Interested? Register now and be a part of this unique event! https://forms.office.com/r/U2Yx64ECaq

We have an exciting week ahead of us here at the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA thanks to our friends at Lake Charles City Hall!

July 3 - The USAF Band of the West will be performing a free Independence Day Concert at the Rosa Hart Theatre in the Lake Charles Event Center at 6:00 PM!

July 4 - The City of Lake Charles is hosting Red, White, Blue, & You on the Lake Charles Event Center grounds! Come out to support the Lake Charles Community Band at 5:30 PM, rock out with Flamethrowers at 7:00 PM, and enjoy fireworks over the lake just after 9:00 PM! All beer and wine sales directly benefit the AHC!

July 6 - Movies with the Mayor kicks off at 5:00 PM at the Rosa Hart Theatre! Get out of the heat and enjoy this free to the public presentation of the Great Mouse Detective!

Experience the Artistry at Gallery Promenade - Call for Artists!

Lake Charles, LA – Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant creativity and community spirit! The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is thrilled to announce the annual Gallery Promenade, happening on Saturday, August 24th, from 5pm to 9pm in the heart of downtown Lake Charles.

Join us for a great night showcasing of our local talent, where the streets will come alive with stunning paintings, intricate sculptures, and much more. This incredible event is the perfect opportunity to support our amazing local artists and businesses, all while enjoying the inspiring atmosphere of downtown Lake Charles.

Event Highlights:
- Date: Saturday, August 24th
- Time: 5pm – 9pm
- Location: Downtown Lake Charles

Calling All Artists!
We’re excited to invite talented artists to join us and showcase their work at this year’s Gallery Promenade. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure and connect with art lovers in the community. Interested artists can apply now by visiting our website at https://forms.office.com/r/MZ0qZ18yet

Stay updated on all the latest news and upcoming events by following us on Facebook at Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA or by visiting our website.

🎨✨ Take a walk through the streets of Lake Charles downtown to enjoy Gallery Promenade! This incredible event is the perfect showcase for our talented local artists, who create stunning paintings, sculptures, and more. ✨ Enjoy the creative energy and support amazing businesses along the way. Don't miss out on this unique celebration of art and community taking place August 24th 5pm - 9pm 🌟

Celebrate Juneteenth with the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA! 🎉✨

Today, we honor the end of slavery and embrace the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the African American community. Let's continue to celebrate and embrace equality and unity.

Gallery Promenade is happening August 24th! Pop-in downtown to see all the amazing local artist where art meets community! 🌟

✨ Event Highlights:

🖼 Explore stunning art pop-up gallery at local businesses.
🛍 Shop for unique art pieces and gifts from some downtown stores.

This is an event you don't want to miss! Bring your friends and family for an evening filled with inspiration. 🎨✨

We are looking for fine art vendors such painters, sculptors and printmaking etc.,
https://form.jotform.com/241553455391054

✨ Unleash Your Creativity! ✨

Hey SWLA! We're curious to know what sparks your creativity. Whether it's a morning walk, a cup of coffee, your favorite music, or something else entirely, we want to hear from you!

👉 What makes you release your creativity?

Share your inspiration with us in the comments below!

👀

Today we are honor those who sacrificed themselves for our freedom!🇺🇸

As we gather with family and friends, let's take a moment to remember and express our deepest gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.