The cultural landscape of Louisiana is set to flourish with a series of exciting exhibitions and performances across various venues. The LSU Textile & Costume Museum will unveil its new exhibit, “Dressing Louisiana: Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane,” with an opening reception scheduled for 14:00 on October 5, 2023. This exhibition celebrates how fashion has been used as a means of identity formation and a reflection of joy among the people of Louisiana.
The exhibit features notable works from renowned Louisiana artists and designers, including Ray Cole and Geoffrey Beene. Attendees can expect to see an array of historical garments, including first lady gowns, such as the recently acquired inaugural gown of Sharon Landry, as well as costumes worn by actress Donna Douglas and vibrant Mardi Gras ensembles. Admission is free, and further inquiries can be directed to the museum at (225) 578-1087 or via email at [email protected].
Art and Performance Highlights Across Baton Rouge
In addition to the textile exhibition, the Baton Rouge area is rich with artistic offerings. Ann Connelly Fine Art, located at 1670 Lobdell Road, will host a meet and greet with artists Kate Blacklock and Sarah Cancienne at 16:30 on September 24. Both artists are currently showcasing their work in the gallery, with Blacklock hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, and Cancienne based in New Orleans. Admission to this event is free.
The West Baton Rouge Museum at 845 N. Jefferson Ave. in Port Allen is currently exhibiting “An American War in Vietnam,” which will run until December 30, 2023. Other ongoing exhibitions include “Weaving Nature: Louisiana’s Native American Basketry,” available until December 28, and “Angela Gregory: The Allen Monument,” closing on July 19, 2024. More information can be found at westbatonrougemuseum.org.
The Sullivan Theater is preparing for the opening of Oscar Wilde’s classic play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” on September 26, 2023. Tickets are priced at $25 and can be purchased through sullivantheater.com.
At the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the 31st annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art will open with a reception at 16:30 on October 4. The exhibit will be accessible daily from 08:00 to 18:00 through October 31, with no admission fee.
Additionally, the LSU Theatre will debut “The Courtship of Winifred Edwards” by Maggie Smith on October 2, 2023, at the Shaver Theatre. Ticket prices range from $9 to $22, and details are available at lsu.edu/theatre.
Upcoming Events in Arts and Culture
Opera Louisiane will kick off its 2025-26 season with “Over the Top!” featuring sopranos Rainelle Krause, Kelly Curtin, and Sarah McHan competing for the title of the greatest diva. The performance is set for 15:00 on September 28 at the Manship Theatre, with tickets priced at $51.50.
Tickets are also available for “An Evening of Performing Arts” at UpStage Theatre on October 26, starting at $27. The theater is located at 1714 Wooddale Blvd. in Baton Rouge, and tickets can be found at upstagetheatre.biz.
The Old State Capitol is currently hosting the exhibit “Vietnam Experience: 50th Anniversary of the End of the War,” which will run until December 20, 2023. The museum will also feature an author talk titled “Were You There? A Biography of Emma Wakefield Paillet,” presented by authors Phebe Hayes and Margaret Simon at 13:30 on October 5. Admission remains free, and tickets for the annual fundraising event, “Spirits of Louisiana,” are available for $90.
The LSU School of Art is showcasing the exhibit “Disk Full,” featuring the works of Christine Bruening and Janna Ahrndt until October 19 at the Glassell Gallery. Furthermore, the LSU College of Art & Design will present “Field Recordings” by XYZ Collective through October 4, and the doctor of design thesis exhibition “Emoji, Stop Scrolling!” by Thras Kalaitzidis will run until October 3.
Lastly, Cité des Arts will host a reading of “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” on October 16 as part of its Readers Theater Series. Directed by Joe Riehl, this performance will begin at 19:00, with tickets available for $10 at citedesarts.org/events/cite-des-arts-readers-theater-pericles-prince-of-tyre.
These diverse cultural events and exhibitions reflect Louisiana’s vibrant artistic community, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the state’s rich heritage and creativity.
