HEartBEAT Weekly
Wed., Nov. 26, 2014
About Us

With community development at its core, the Arts Council supports Southwest Louisiana's artists, arts organizations, and cultural initiatives. Visit our website to find out how we accomplish this.
Arts Council of SWLA
Central School
809 Kirby St., Ste. 202
Lake Charles, LA 70601
337-439-2787
www.artscouncilswla.org
Quick Links
Our Partners



Arts Council Sponsors

Magnolia LNG

FOX29/the Lake Charles CW

Union Pacific Foundation

Southwest Beverage

Deep South Productions

Parker Brand Creative

Tobacco Free Living

Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society

McDonald's of SWLA

IBERIABANK

Coca-Cola

Fusion Five

Knight Media Printing

Acadiana Profile Magazine

Tom Sawyer

Louisiana Lottery

First Federal Bank of LA

Beverage Sales

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

ASI Office Systems

Louisiana Solar Industry

The O'Carroll Group

LakeCharles.com

Thrive Magazine

Lake Charles Vapor

LCP

J&R Carriage

The Lab Design Group

Tipitina's Foundation

Botsky's Premium Hotdogs

MyPlace American Pub

Allstate - Dean Day

Empire of the Seed

Redfish Rentals

Digikast

Shearman Media

Automotive Alignment & Brake Service

Chesson Law Office

The Dev Department


Business Members
Want to be listed? Business memberships start at $150 and includes year-round promotion for your company and free event tickets! Call 439-2787 to sign up!
 
Dustin Granger
R. Reed Mendelson
Dr. Jack Thielen
Southtowner Mobile Estates
Carolyn Woosley
Linda's Lounge
DeQuincy Federated Service League
Mary Woosley
Missy Abraham
Current Exhibits

PLACE No. 1

Closes Nov. 26

Old Social Security Building

825 Ryan St.

 

MSU Faculty Exhibit

Closes Nov. 28, 2014

Grand Gallery, MSU Campus

4205 Ryan St.

 

My First Year as a Fabric Artist

Closes Nov. 30, 2014

Black Heritage Gallery

809 Kirby St.

 

Fall 2014 Senior Thesis Exhibition

Closes Dec. 12, 2014

Abercrombie Gallery. MSU Campus

4205 Ryan St.

 

Jos�-Mar�a Cund�n

Closes Dec. 30, 2014

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

204 W. Sallier St.

 

David Hockney: Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Closes Jan. 10, 2015

Historic City Hall

1001 Ryan St.

 

Private Santa Collection

Closes Jan. 10, 2015

Historic City Hall

1001 Ryan St.

 

Two Points of View

Closes Jan 10, 2015

Historic City Hall

1001 Ryan St.

 

The surReality Show

Closes Jan. 10, 2015

Historic City Hall

1001 Ryan St.

 

Brenda LaFleur & Susan Hebert

Closes Jan. 15, 2015

Walnut Grove Post Office

2025 W. Walnut St., Ste. 1B

 

Pottery by Debbie Lavergne

Closes Jan. 31, 2015

Gallery By the Lake

106 W. Pryce St.

 

Swamp Spirit Exhibit

Tupper General Merchandise Museum

311 N. Main St., Jennings

Your Guide to the Arts in SWLA
Experience an insider's view of the arts in Southwest Louisiana while staying up to date on arts events, festivals, cultural programming, grants, funding, and artist opportunities. Want to see your event or announcement here?Email your press release to ericam@artscouncilswla.org.
Our Staff's Pick of the Week

Holiday Art Market

Friday, Dec. 12, 3pm-7pm & Saturday, Dec. 13, 10am-3pm


The Arts Council of SWLA invites the public to the annual Holiday Art Market on Fri., Dec. 12 from 3pm to 7pm and Sat., Dec. 13 from 10am to 4pm. Local artists will sell affordable original artwork for holiday gifts, including pottery, prints, photography, and original paintings. The SJ Welsh Art Club will also sell student work to raise funds for the club, and 10% of the event's proceeds will go to fund scholarships for the CPSB's Summer Arts Camp 2015. For details, call 337-439-2787. 

SWLA Event Calendar: Nov. 26 - Dec. 3

Closing Reception for PLACE No. 1

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 6pm-8pm

Old Social Security Building

825 Ryan St., Lake Charles

The public is invited to attend the closing reception of PLACE No. 1 which has brought an entire month of interactive art installations and performances to the old social security building in downtown Lake Charles. The exhibition features Jessica Cornish and Tracy LeMieux and is curated by Victoria Bradford. Admission is free. For details, visit www.freeswim.org/place. 

 

TRX Pottery Demonstration & Sale

Nov. 28-29

Stellar Beans

319 Broad St., Lake Charles

Visit Stellar Beans in downtown Lake Charles from 9am to 2pm on Friday and Saturday for live pottery demonstrations by local potter Rex Alexander. Stellar Beans will also sell new and original pieces by Rex. Call 337-564-5739 for details.

 

The Mines Presents A Christmas Carol

Nov. 29-30

W.W. Lewis Auditorium

1752 Cypress St., Sulphur

A Christmas Carol is based on a novel by English author Charles Dickens. The play tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation resulting from a supernatural visit by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. The Mines, Sulphur Community Theatre, was formed on September 4, 2014. Several individuals with a vision for creating a community theatre came together under the guidance of the SC3, a non-profit 501c3, to begin work. The performance will be at 7pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for children 16 and under, $12.50 for balcony seating and $25 for reserved seating. Call 337-215-1301 for details.

 

Sax In the City Dinner & Concert

Sunday, Nov. 30, Dinner at 5:45pm, Show at 7pm

Chateau du Calcasieu

932 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles

Come join saxophonist Mickey Smith as he concludes this year's Sax In the City with a bang! Mickey is partnering with local agencies and THE GRAMMYs to make this a SITC SUNDAY to remember. As always the SITC show will kick off at 7 p.m. featuring Mickey, local artists and the incredible Sax In the City House Band. New this month is a pre-concert sit-down dinner at 5:45 p.m. provided by Chateau du Calcasieu and prepared by Cajun Caf�. Earlier that afternoon at 3 p.m., you are in for a treat! GRAMMY Award winning Zydeco artist Chubby Carrier will be at Chateau du Calcasieu as Mickey and The GRAMMYs host a Drive4UrSchool campaign. For every test drive of a Tarver Ford vehicle, $20 goes to local music education. This is an INCREDIBLE drive and it is of NO cost to participants. Come out and enjoy the sounds of Chubby, great vehicles, food and more, all for a great cause. Tickets for the dinner and/or concert are on sale at Swicegood Music, Lake Charles and Bearden's Music, Sulphur. Dinner and Concert: $30. Concert only: $15. For more information, call (337) 244-7959.

 

Auditions for Harvey

Dec. 1-2, 6pm-8pm

Lake Charles Little Theatre

813 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles

The Lake Charles Little Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of Harvey, directed by Adley Cormier. Readings will be from the script, and no monologue is required. There is an opportunity for six men and six women of all ages. The production is on stage from Feb. 21, 2015, through March 8, 2015. There will be limited rehearsals during December and regular rehearsals during Jan. and Feb. For further info, call 337-433-7988.

 

Activities at the Children's Museum

327 Broad Street, Lake Charles

Call 337-433-9420 for details

Wed., Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Pasta Necklaces, 11am

Live Music Schedule: Nov. 26 - Dec. 3

Tonight (Wed.): Chris Miller & Bayou Roots, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm; Kory Fontenot, Cigar Club, 8pm; The Tugboats, Luna LIVE, 10pm

 

Thursday: Asian Concert, L'Auberge, 2pm & 6pm; Leroy Thomas, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 7pm; Larry Tillery, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 8pm; Phillip Glyn, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; DJ Trashy/SkyHi/DJ Gump, 3topia, 9pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

 

Friday: John Guidroz, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Ron Fruge, Jack After Dark, 8pm; Frayed Soul, Mary's Lounge, 8pm; Joe Harmon & the Harmonics, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Great Pets/Dane Sonnier, Paradise Daiquiris, 8pm; Lochness Mobsters/Church Shoes/Rootbeer & Mermentau, MyPlace American Pub, 9pm; Larry Tillery, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 9pm; Gyth Rigdon, Cooler's, 9pm; Phillip Glynn, Texas Longhorn, 9pm; Mark Henry, Cigar Club, 9pm; Mojeaux, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; The Yams/Canebreakers/The Good Wood, Luna LIVE, 10pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

 

Saturday: Mike Fulmer, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Kevin Lambert, Luna Bar & Grill, 7pm; Danny O'Flaherty, Stellar Beans, 7pm; The Kadillacs, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Mojeaux, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Nick Ward/YKnot, Texas Longhorn, 8pm; Acoustic Pie, Cigar Club, 9pm; Oh, Rhien, Luna LIVE, 10pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

 

Sunday: Street Side Jazz Band, Luna Bar & Grill, 11am; Alvin Touchet & 3 Hour Tour, Loggerhead's, 4pm

 

Tuesday: Mickey Smith, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm

 

Wednesday: Chris Miller & Bayou Roots, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm

Coming Up / Get Your Tickets

Christmas Under the Oaks & Holiday House

Dec. 5-6

Brimstone Museum Complex

923 Ruth St., Sulphur

Festival dates are Friday-Saturday, Dec. 5-6, with shopping available at the Holiday House Friday and Saturday. The Holiday House will also feature a preview party, Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. with tickets at $40, available for advance purchase. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Carnival rides start at 4 p.m. on Friday, and run from noon - 10 p.m. on Saturday. Friday, enjoy Louisiana's only lighted balloon parade at 6 p.m. down Cypress St. Call 337-527-0357 for details.

 

Cinderella's Holiday Dining

Saturday, Dec. 6, 12pm

Children's Theatre Company

809 Kirby St., Ste. 313, Lake Charles

Children join their favorite storybook characters such as, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Prince, Snow White, Pinocchio Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin for an unforgettable experience. Character meals include pizza, dessert and a drink. The seating incorporates a visit from each of these famous characters as they make their way around the dinner table. Children will also enjoy photographs and autographs from these well-known characters. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costume. Hot coco and gingerbread will also be served. This magical encounter occurs on Saturday, December 6, 2014 with seating at 12:00 noon. The cost is $25.00 per person (everyone must have a ticket including adults and infants).  Seating is very limited and reservations must be made by calling the theatre box office at (337) 433-7323 or visiting www.childrenstheatre.cc. 

 

Holiday Art Market

Dec. 12-13

Central School Arts & Humanities Center

809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

The Arts Council of SWLA invites the public to the annual Holiday Art Market on Fri., Dec. 12 from 3pm to 7pm and Sat., Dec. 13 from 10am to 4pm. Local artists will sell affordable original artwork for holiday gifts, including pottery, prints, photography, and original paintings. The SJ Welsh Art Club will also sell student work to raise funds for the club, and 10% of the event's proceeds will go to fund scholarships for the CPSB's Summer Arts Camp 2015. For details, call 337-439-2787.

 

The Little Drummer Boy

Dec. 11-13, times vary

Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center

900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles

Ticket Info: www.lakecharlescivicballet.com 

The Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) announces upcoming holiday performance dates for the beloved classic, The Little Drummer Boy, presented by L'Auberge Lake Charles and KVHP Fox 29/The Lake Charles CW7.  Performances are December 11, 12, and 13, 2014 at the Rosa Hart Theatre. School performances will be held Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12 at 9:30am and 11am, and tickets for school matinees are just $5.00 per student. On Saturday, December 13 there will be an 11am Matinee and 6pm Gala. Tickets for these performances are $10.00 for students and $15.00 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door, online at www.lakecharlescivicballet.com, or by calling Ladonna McKnight at 337-474-0311.

 

The Nutcracker

Dec. 11-14

Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre, MSU Campus

4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Ticket Info: www.lakecharlesnutcracker.com 

Enjoy this holiday classic from Tchaichovsky with Thursday and Friday performances at 9am, Saturday performances at 2pm & 7:30pm, and a Sunday performance at 2pm. It will be performed in the style of Ida Winter Clark and produced by Emily Coleman. For details, visit www.lakecharlesnutcracker.com or call 337-475-5027.

 

Lake Charles Symphony's Holiday Home Tour

Sunday, Dec. 14, 1pm-4pm

Sylvan Oaks Subdivision, Sulphur

Ticket Info: www.lcsymphony.org 

The Lake Charles Symphony is bringing back its Holiday Home Tour this year. In celebration of the City of Sulphur's Centennial we are featuring homes located in the Sylvan Oaks Subdivision. The date is Sunday, December 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Homes will be delightfully decorated for the holiday season with docents on hand to offer interesting and/or fun facts about each home. The tour will conclude with a reception at the Brimstone Historical Museum. Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, holiday cocktails and beverages, and peruse the permanent exhibit illustrating Sulphur's 100 years of fascinating history. Also, an ensemble of orchestra members from the Lake Charles Symphony will be on hand playing your favorite sounds of the season. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.lcsymphony.com  or by calling the Symphony office at 337-433-1611.

Calls for Artists / Contests / Workshops 

Los Angeles Center for Digital Art Juried Exhibit - Deadline: Dec. 1, 2014

Show your work in our un-juried exhibit featuring digital art and photography at the tenth anniversary exhibit of this very popular program. All entries will be printed (8.5"x11" on heavyweight paper) and shown in our gallery arranged in a grid. Entrants submit JPEG files of original work. Multiple entries are permitted. Separate registration fee required for each image. Special consideration will be given to all entrants for inclusion in future shows at LACDA. Many entrants from past competitions have already been included in our exhibits. Exhibit Dates: December 11, 2014-January 3, 2015. The exhibit is international, open to all geographical locations. Registration fee is $35US per image. Multiple entries permitted, additional $35 entry fee for each image to be exhibited. For details, visit www.lacda.com/juried/juriedshow.html. 

 

Masur Museum Annual Juried Competition - Deadline: Jan. 1, 2015

The Masur Museum of Art's Annual Juried Competition showcases contemporary artists throughout the United States of America working in any medium. Best in Show is $1,000.00 and total awards are $3,200.00.Awards will be given by Firmin at the reception in March 2015. Artists do not have to be present to receive awards. To be considered for entry all work must be completed after December 31, 2012. There is a $10.00 fee per entered artwork with a minimum of two entries and a maximum of five entries (i.e. $20.00 for two artworks and $50.00 for five artworks). The exhibition will open on March 4, 2015, and continue through June 20, 2015.  All accepted work must remain in the Masur Museum of Art for the entirety of the exhibition. For details or to submit work, visit www.masurjuried.org. 

 

Art Associates Gallery Call for Exhibit Proposals - Deadline: Jan. 1, 2015

Art Associates of Lake Charles is currently accepting proposals for exhibits to hang in their gallery space located at Central School. All artists working in 2D and 3D work are accepted. A panel composed of representatives from Art Associates of Lake Charles, the Arts Council of SWLA, and the McNeese Visual Arts Department will review submissions. Gallery space is free of charge and the artist receives 100% of sales provided that the individual/organization furnishes delivery and installation of work as well as breakdown and removal of work. A $100 deposit will be required and held until the state of the gallery after the removal of the exhibit is approved. To submit work, contact the Arts Council office at 337-439-2787.

 

Walnut Grove Institute Call for Artists - Deadline: Jan. 5, 2015

The Walnut Grove Institute and the Arts Council of SWLA are currently seeking submissions for small exhibits to be hung in the new Post Office building at Walnut Grove in Lake Charles. Artists can email 5-10 high res images of their work to ericam@artscouncilswla.org with work titles, mediums, sizes, and prices. Two artists will be chosen to exhibit at a time. First show will hang Feb. 1 through May 1, 2015. Second show will hang May 14 through July 1, 2015. All work must be 2D and ready to hang. Call 337-439-2787 for details.

 

American Music Board Applications Sought - Deadline: Jan. 9, 2015

American Music Abroad (AMA)'s application round for the 2014-15 season in now open! American Music Abroad is designed to communicate America's rich musical contributions and diverse culture to the global music scene. Each year, approximately ten ensembles are selected to embark on month-long, multi-country tours. Ensembles from any characteristically American musical genres, including, but not limited to Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Folk, Latin, Native American, Gospel, Hip Hop/Urban, Indie Rock, Jazz, Punk, R&B and Zydeco are welcome to apply. Ensembles will be selected for artistic quality, a strong education and interactive component, and a dedication to cultural engagement. Previous American Music Abroad ensembles have reached audiences in more than 75 countries who had little or no access to live American music. For more information please visit www.amvoices.org/ama/apply. 

 

NextNotes High School Composition Awards - Deadline: Jan. 12, 2015

American Composers Forum, is a national non-profit organization that supports composers that recently launched a new, national program for teenage composers of any genre. NextNotes� High School Composition Awards (www.NextNotes.org), provides students with mentorship from professional composers, performance of their composition by professional musicians, a $1000 scholarship and much more. Also, unlike some other programs, it is free to apply for NextNotes. Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2015. For more information please visit: www.composersforum.org/program/nextnotes. 

 

Call to Artists: Watercolor Art Society Houston - Deadline: Jan. 15, 2015

The 38th Annual International Exhibition, in conjunction with a special 5 day workshop with juror Eric Weigardt, offers artists an unprecedented opportunity to compete at a high level of international artistic talent and ability as well as the chance to view and exhibit work for sale in the WAS-H Gallery in the Houston Museum District for an entire month. Artists may submit up to 3 paintings for consideration in the exhibition; if accepted, only one painting per artist will be chosen. Event Dates: 3/10/15 - 4/9/15. For details, visit https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=2008. 

 

The Big Read Accepting Applications - Deadline: Jan. 28, 2015

The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, aims to restore reading to the center of American culture. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program provides organizations with grants and comprehensive resources that support their efforts to inspire their community to read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. Community organizations participating in the Big Read develop and produce reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse local audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community's chosen book or poet. Activities must focus on a book or poet from the Big Read Library. For details, visit www.neabigread.org. 

 

Battle of Pleasant Hill Poster Contest - Deadline: Feb. 1, 2015

The Battle of Pleasant Hill Re-enactment Committee announces the second annual poster contest to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Pleasant Hill. Any medium may be used to create the poster artwork, and the artwork must include "150th Anniversary" and the date of the actual battle: April 9, 1864. Artist must be willing to give copy rights for the poster artwork that is created to the BOPH committee to be used however the committee wishes. Poster artwork must be submitted by February 1, 2015 by email to boph1864@yahoo.com or mailed to P.O. Box 384, Pleasant Hill, LA 71065. For details, call 318-658-5785.

 

George Rodrigue Foundation Call for Student Art - Deadline: Feb. 12, 2015

The George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation are seeking student artwork for their 2015 art contest. Applicants are invited to explore Louisiana's rich musical heritage. All juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible for entry in the GRFA Art Contest. No test score, grade point average or college major requirement is necessary for enter. The contest is open to all juniors and seniors attending public and private schools, home schooled students, and GED students. The winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts team to design a special poster to be sold at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's free festivals including the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival, the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, and Fiesta Latina. For details, visit www.rodriguefoundation.org. 

 

Downtown Crawfish Festival Art Contest - Deadline: March 6, 2015

The Festival, along with Cultural Partner Associated Louisiana Artists Gallery by the Lake, is looking for a few good artists to help celebrate this grand occasion by entering original art work to be possibly chosen as the official 2015 Festival Poster. All entries must be original and conceived by the artist. No copyrighted work, in whole or part, will be accepted.  No enhanced digital images will be accepted. Only the lettering of the poster may be digitally done.  All artwork applications must include the artist's name, address, phone number and email.  Entries will be accepted Tuesday, March 3rd to Friday, March 6th between 12 and 5 pm at the Gallery by the Lake, 106 West Pryce Street, Lake Charles. For applications, visit www.downtowncrawfest.com or the Gallery by the Lake at 106 West Pryce Street. The winning poster will be unveiled at the Press Conference in early April. All entries will also be on display during the SWLA ArtWalk at the Gallery by the Lake for all attendees to see. For more information, call 337-478-9405.

 

Bi-Annual Quilt Show Seeking Entries

The Calcasieu Cut-Ups Quilt Guild is sponsoring the bi-annual quilt show on April 17 and 18, 2015 at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur. Entry forms are now available for this judged show, "Quilts for all Seasons." Contact Debbie at gdaruss@msn.com or at 337-527-7582 for details.

 

Louisiana Artist Roster Accepting Listings

The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts will support a Louisiana Artist Roster as mechanism to promote performing and visual artists. The purpose of the roster is to support Louisiana artists who want to tour and exhibit statewide, regionally, nationally and internationally. It will be used to promote Louisiana's artists at upcoming local, regional and national events, and other conferences and opportunities throughout the year as they arise. The Louisiana Artist Roster is a listing of Louisiana artists that have professional experience with shows, exhibits, or performances of all genres who are tour-ready and available for statewide, regional, national or international bookings, exhibitions and special events. Artists must complete the online application and will be selected for the roster through a peer review process. For details or how to apply, please contact Danny Belanger at dbelanger@crt.la.gov or 225-342-8209.

 

Creative Arts Center Available for Lessons & Workshops

Associated Louisiana Artists announces that its Creative Arts Center is available to non-member artists and teachers to conduct lessons and workshops. The CAC is an extension of the Gallery by the Lake at 106 W. Pryce St. It is a specialized teaching center with work tables, audio/visual equipment and an overhead mirror to show tabletop work. Arrangements can be made by calling 436-1008 during gallery hours, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. An answering machine will take messages during other hours.

 

Associated Louisiana Artist's On-Going Art Classes

Join at any time! Professional teachers in watercolors and oils with easel-side individual instruction. Come and enjoy the fellowship and fun in a state of the art facility. All levels of learning are invited. Prices range from $30 to $50 a month. Call 337-478-1008 between 12 and 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, email info@gallerybythelake.com or just come by and visit at 106 W. Pryce Street, in downtown Lake Charles. 

 

Dewey Fine Art Announces Morning Art Classes

Watercolor classes available for beginning and intermediate adult students, the group classes allow for an individually guided pace, while choosing their own subject matter. Covering the basic drawing and perspective techniques in a fun, relaxing environment. Call 337-477-0124 for details.

 

Adult Guitar Classes Open Enrollment

Tina Wing will teach a McNeese Adult Guitar class starting every Tuesday from 7:30 - 8:30PM. Call 337-475-5616 to enroll.

 

Theatre Training Registration Open for Children

A wide variety of workshops are available including Stageworks, and Creative Dramatics. Call 337-433-7323 or visit www.childrenstheatre.cc for details.

 

Lake Charles Community Band Open to New Members

The Lake Charles Community Band is welcoming new members. All instruments are needed. Practices are on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Lake Charles Boston Academy Choir Room. Please contact Denise at 625-5330 for more information.

Volunteer & Vendor Needs

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - Deadline: Dec. 2, 2014

Event Date: April 24-May 3, 2015, New Orleans

The Festival is accepting vendor applications from artists and craftspeople. The festival will once again showcase three unique craft areas: Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, and Louisiana Marketplace. To apply, visit www.nojazzfest.com. Application fee is $30 and the deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2014. Festival dates are April 24 through May 3, 2015. For details, call 504-410-4100.

 

Cottonwood Art Festival - Deadline: Jan. 15, 2015

Event Date: May 2-3, Richardson, TX

Cottonwood Art Festival is located in Richardson, Texas where artists exhibit their work among towering oaks with lakeside beauty.  Cottonwood continues to uphold its reputation as a first rate show. 2015 marks the 46th anniversary for this event. Sponsored by The City of Richardson, Cottonwood Art Festival is a showcase for a large variety of fine art and fine craft and provides our patrons with the opportunity to meet and talk with the artist who created the work. Live entertainment, a Friday night gala for the artists and guests, a children's art area and much more. Visit http://www.cottonwoodartfestival.com/ for details. 

 

Essence Festival Arts Marketplace - Deadline: Jan. 30, 2015

Event Date: July 2-5, 2015, New Orleans

The 2015 Essence Festival will feature a large variety of hand crafted art/crafts, the best New Orleans & southern cuisine, and a robust group of community, education and health service organizations providing information on how you can engage, impact and service your community and improve your life.  New this year, multi-month promotions of vendor listing in Essence Magazine and EssenceFestival.com, potential to advertise on Essence Magazine and EssenceFestival.com channel at a vendor rate. For details, visit http://www.essence.com/festival/marketing/vendor-application-2015. 

 

Area Farmers Market Seeking Art Vendors (Ongoing)

The Charlestown Farmers Market and the Cash & Carry Farmers Markers are seeking art vendors. The Charlestown Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 8AM - 12Noon on Bilbo Street behind Historic City Hall. Visit www.cityoflakecharles.com for details. The Cash & Carry Farmers Market features local art and hand-crafted items on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4pm-6pm at 801 Enterprise Blvd in Lake Charles. Visit www.cashandcarryfarmersmarket.com for vendor application.

Funding Opportunities

Glacier National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program - Deadline: Jan. 31, 2015

The purpose of Glacier National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program is to stimulate and foster the artistic exploration of this natural and cultural treasure and to share the artist's inspiration with the public through educational programs. In this manner, contemporary artists can continue to explore the concepts first contemplated by earlier artists and inspire others through their artistic endeavors. Dates for the Artist-in-Residence sessions: June 1 -29, 2015; July 6 - August 3, 2015; August 31 - September 27,  2015; October 5 - November 2, 2015. For details, visit https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=2192. 

 

Free Swim Soup Now Accepting Proposals for Microgrants

Free Swim SOUP is now accepting ideas for its next SOUP, a community dinner celebrating creative projects in Southwest Louisiana. Four ideas will be presented ranging from art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurship, education, technology, etc. Each presenter has fifteen minutes to share his or her idea and then field questions from the diners. Anyone in the Lake Charles community, as well as the Five Parish Area, is eligible to submit a proposal. If you have an idea for a community-minded project, or your business, non-profit, club, or organization requires monetary assistance to realize a goal, Free Swim SOUP can help provide funding with microgrants from $50 up to $1000 (depending on attendance and donation amounts). Visit www.freeswim.org for details.

 

New Orleans Theatre Association - Grant Applications Accepted Quarterly

Grants are available for any arts-related endeavors, but are particularly aimed at schools and educational institutes that are active in the performing arts, including music, drama, and dance, as well as related areas such as acting, directing, writing, and producing. Most grants will fall in the range of $500 to $5,000 but other amounts are available and there is no preset maximum amount. More information and a grant application form are available at www.neworleanstheatreassociation.com. 

 

New England Foundation for the Arts

The New England Foundation for the Arts is accepting proposals for its Native American Artists Exchange Program, which supports an exchange of ideas between two Native American artists from different regions. Visit http://www.nefa.org/grants_programs/grants/national_native_artist_exchange_grant to learn more. 

 

National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts Office of Research and Analysis is accepting applications for Research: Art Works, which supports research that investigates the value of the US arts ecosystem and the impact of the arts on other domains of American Life. Visit http://arts.gov/grants-organizations/research-art-works to learn more.

 

Pollination Project

The Pollination Project invites applications from social entrepreneurs for seed grants of up to $1,000, which will be awarded to individuals for projects in the early stages of development that promote compassion toward all life, justice, community health and wellness, and social change-oriented arts and culture. Visit http://thepollinationproject.org/applicantinformatio/funding-guidelines/  to learn more.

Become a part of the Southwest Louisiana experience! For information on becoming a member, volunteer, or an Arts Council sponsor, visit our website at 
.