The arts scene in Baton Rouge is poised for an exciting season with several new exhibits and performances set to launch in the coming weeks. The LSU Textile & Costume Museum will unveil its latest exhibit, “Dressing Louisiana: Histoires de la mode de la Louisiane,” with an opening reception scheduled for 14:00 on October 5, 2023. This exhibition highlights the diverse ways Louisianans have used fashion to express identity and celebrate culture.
Among the featured items are creations by renowned Louisiana artists such as Ray Cole and Geoffrey Beene, alongside first lady gowns, including the inaugural gown of Sharon Landry. The exhibit also includes garments worn by actress Donna Douglas and vibrant Mardi Gras ensembles. Admission to this exhibit is free, making it accessible for all art enthusiasts. For further details, attendees can contact the museum at (225) 578-1087 or email [email protected].
Art Exhibits and Performances Across the Region
In addition to the LSU Textile & Costume Museum, several other venues will showcase artistic talent. Ann Connelly Fine Art on September 24 will host a meet and greet at 16:30 featuring artists Kate Blacklock and Sarah Cancienne. Blacklock, from Providence, Rhode Island, and Cancienne, based in New Orleans, will present their works in this engaging event, which is also free to the public.
The West Baton Rouge Museum is currently displaying several exhibits, including “An American War in Vietnam,” which will run through December 30. The exhibit “Weaving Nature: Louisiana’s Native American Basketry” will be available until December 28, while “Angela Gregory: The Allen Monument” will be on view until July 19, 2024. More information can be found on their website, westbatonrougemuseum.org.
The Sullivan Theater is preparing for its production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play “The Importance of Being Earnest,” opening on September 26. Tickets for this performance are priced at $25. To purchase tickets, visit sullivantheater.com.
Another notable event is the 31st annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art, which opens with a reception on October 4 at 16:30 at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. This exhibit will be open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 until October 31, with free admission.
At LSU Theatre, tickets are available for the production of “The Courtship of Winifred Edwards” by Maggie Smith, which opens on October 2. Ticket prices range from $9 to $22, and more details can be found at lsu.edu/theatre.
Upcoming Cultural Events and Exhibitions
Opera Louisiane’s highly anticipated season opener, “Over the Top!” featuring sopranos Rainelle Krause, Kelly Curtin, and Sarah McHan, is set for September 28 at 15:00 at the Manship Theatre. Tickets for this performance can be purchased for $51.50 at operalouisiane.com.
UpStage Theatre will present “An Evening of Performing Arts” on October 26 at 19:00, with tickets priced at $27. More details are available at upstagetheatre.biz.
At Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, the exhibit “Vietnam Experience: 50th Anniversary of the End of the War” will be on display until December 20. The museum is also hosting an author talk titled “Were You There? A Biography of Emma Wakefield Paillet” on October 5 at 13:30. Admission is free, and individual tickets for the annual fundraising event, “Spirits of Louisiana,” celebrating the Old Capitol’s 175th anniversary, are available for $90 at secure.qgiv.com/event/spiritsoflouisiana2025/.
The LSU School of Art is currently showcasing the exhibit “Disk Full,” featuring artists Christine Bruening and Janna Ahrndt, running until October 19. Additionally, the college is hosting “Field Recordings” by XYZ Collective until October 4, and “Emoji, Stop Scrolling!” by Thras Kalaitzidis, with an artist’s talk and reception on October 3 at 17:00. All exhibitions and events at LSU are free to the public.
Cité des Arts will present the third play in their Readers Theater Series, a reading of “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” directed by Joe Riehl on October 16 at 19:00. Tickets for this event are priced at $10, available at citedesarts.org/events/cite-des-arts-readers-theater-pericles-prince-of-tyre.
Lastly, at NuNu Arts & Culture Collective, two exhibits featuring artists Charles Chaisson and Ralph Schexnaydre will run until November 2. The collective is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00, with free admission.
As Baton Rouge prepares for this vibrant array of cultural events, art lovers can look forward to a season filled with creativity and community engagement.
