Arts
Ongoing – August: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. The Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing will feature the photography of James Guess. This gallery is located in the Cabrini Outpatient Center on the first floor across from Radiology. The Rapides Art Gallery will feature the paintings of Stephanie Lutfallah. This gallery is located at Rapides Regional Medical Center in the South Tower between the ER and the South Tower Lobby. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602.
Ongoing – August 23: Through the Eyes of Sarah Albritton, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Growing up as an African American in north Louisiana during the 1930s and 1940s, Sarah Albritton has expressed her experiences through various creative pursuits as a self-trained visual artist, writer, poet, cook, storyteller and restaurant owner. Most of her works are situated in a bird’s-eye view of the rural Louisiana landscape, confronting the past with blunt reality. Cost: Admission free AMoA members and LSUA students with ID; $4 adults; $3 students/seniors/military; $2 for youth 5-13 and 4 and under free. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
Ongoing – August 23: Dorthea Lange’s America, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. The exhibition will feature 30 black and white photographs depicting Lange’s personal documentation of Depression-era life and post WWII America. Cost: Admission free AMoA members and LSUA students with ID; $4 adults; $3 students/seniors/military; $2 for youth 5-13 and 4 and under free. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
Ongoing – August 23: Artists Among Us: Faculty & Friends, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Annual exhibition is inspired by the creative resources within our own community, and will feature art faculty from universities in our region, as well as selected works from regional organizations that gather artists working throughout Central Louisiana. Cost: Admission free AMoA members and LSUA students with ID; $4 adults; $3 students/seniors/military; $2 for youth 5-13 and 4 and under free. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
August 2: The Muse Open Mic Night, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8p.m. The Muse invites musical and spoken word performers to share their talents, as summer comes to a close. Performers between the ages of 14 and 21 are welcomed. Cost: Admission free. Call Cindy Blair: 443-3458.
August 14: Spirit and Soul: The Art of Sarah Albritton Art Lecture, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Ginger Jones, Ph.D, LSU Alexandria Professor of English, will discuss the paintings of Sarah Albritton, whose work is not only a forum for her social and political views but also an outlet for her eclectic creativity. Come and learn more about the spirit and soul of this enthusiastic and energetic Louisiana artist. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 16: Family Art Class: Expressive Exposures! Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-3p.m. Participants will use light sensitive fabric to create quilt like pieces of Art. Bring the whole family or just you kid at heart and enjoy this wonderful experience. Call to sign up. Cost: Admission free AMoA member families; $20 non-member families. Call Cindy Blair: 443-3458.
August 30: Spanish Language Tour of Exhibitions and Art Talk, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-2p.m. Tour, 2-3:30p.m. Talk. Have fun talking in Spanish and learning about the art of Spanish-speaking cultures. Conversation, cultural exchange and fun! Facilitated by Carlos Villaseñor Anaya (bilingual), International Consultant and expert in Cultural Development and Cultural Policy. Cost: Admission free. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
Music
August 21: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Guest Musicians to be announced. Live music, food and fun! Join us on third Thursdays for the AMoA’s most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to music hosted by John Wakefield, and snack on tasty food and drink. Cost: Admission free AMoA members; $4 non-members. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
August 29: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7-9p.m. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers, are presented at AMoA, promoting the art of spoken word and self expression, and creating opportunities for poets. Every last Friday of the month, featuring Alexandria native and accomplished slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley. Cost: Admission free AMoA members; $4 non-members. Call Amanda Guillot: 443-3458.
Theatre
August 10-11: Steel Magnolias Auditions, Fox Theatre, 111 S. Washington Street in Marksville. Auditions will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, and from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday. Call: 318-308-5522.
August 15-18: Tuna Does Las Veags, Old Town Hall in Jena. Jena’s Community Theater, Acting Up, will present Tuna Does Las Vegas, the fourth in the “Greater Tuna” productions with a cast of seven. Tuna Does Las Vegas, by Jason Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, re-unites the loveable and eccentric characters from Tuna, ‘the third smallest town in Texas’. Performances will begin at 7:30pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday with a 2:00pm matinee performance on Sunday. Cost: $15.00 adults; $12 seniors (65+). Call: 318-992-8143.
Events
August 4 – September 12: Volunteers of America Teen Outreach Program, 3704 Coliseum Dr., 8a.m.-4p.m. A youth development program that runs the same length as the school year for teens 12-17 in Rapides Parish. Fun club meetings once a week with snacks, community events, volunteering and learning great skills for teens. The program is available for any teen wanting to develop their skills, have a great time with friends in a fun, safe, positive environment. Cost: Admission free. Call Latessa Mathews: 442-8026 ext. 513.
August 5 – 8: Junior Engineers Camp at T.R.E.E. House, 1403 3rd St., 9a.m.-Noon, Tues.-Fri. Sponsored by Proctor and Gamble. Learn about trains and help build a model railroad. Must be 7-12 years. Spaces limited to 8 kids. Cost: $60 members; $70 non-members. Call T.R.E.E. House: 619-9394.
August 8: Laws and Customs of Indian Culture, Marksville State Historic Site. Presentations will begin at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Cost: $4.00 (adults); Free (over 62, under 13). Call: 888.253.8954. www.travelavoyelles.com
August 8: Family Movie Night, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 6p.m. Family friendly movie showing on the big screen. Free Chick-Fil-A kids meal with adult meal purchase. Cost: Admission free. Call Alexandria Mall: 448-0227. www.alexandriamall.com
August 9: Second Saturday Market, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-2p.m. Featuring arts activities for families, live music, exhibition tours, local produce and original local art. There’s always something new to explore. All one-of-a-kind works of art sold in the downtown Cultural Arts District are tax-free. Support local artists, farmers and gardeners at this fun community event. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
August 9: Back to School Saturday with Teen Vogue, Alexandria Mall, 1-3p.m. It’s THE back to school shopping day of the year, and you don’t want to miss it! Back to school goody bags for the first 200, spin the prize wheel, fashion show, Dora and Diego character greetings and more. Cost: Free. Call Alexandria Mall: 448-0227.
August 11: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am. This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving. The Morning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and issponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
August 12: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:00am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
August 13: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-noon. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; therefore no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease. The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.
August 16: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm. This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. Call: 877-801-8441.
August 16: Mountain Dulcimer Workshop, Rebel State Historic Site, 10:00am. Learn the basics of the mountain dulcimer in this class led by Ms. Daryle Stephenson. Pre-registration required. Cost: $6.00 (ages 13-61); all others $2.00. Call: 888.677.3600.
August 17: 25th Annual Lobster Dinner & Silent Auction, Tunk’s Cypress Inn, 6p.m. Sponsored by Hope House of Central Louisiana. Come support the Hope House mission. Many one- of- a- kind items to bid on at silent auction. Your support helps the many homeless women and children we serve. Reserve tickets early. Cost: TBA. Call Kim: 487-2061 ext. 211.
August 18: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, Noon. If you or someone you know has cancer, or you are a caretaker of someone with cancer, please join this group on the third Monday of each month. A light meal will be served. Please pre-register. Call: (318) 769-7200.
August 18: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:00pm. This class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441.
August 19: Happiest Baby on the Block, Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The program was created by Dr. Harvey Karp and is designed to teach parents simple, effective and fun techniques to quickly soothe their babies’ cries and help them to sleep a little longer. Pre-registration required. Cost: $30.00. Call: 866-581-36270.
August 21: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month and is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family/caregiver. We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Please pre-register. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
August 21: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. For our August meeting, we will be celebrating our 5th Birthday! Call: 866-581-3627.
August 21: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6 p.m. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
August 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
August 23: Prehistoric Mounds Tour, Marksville State Historic Site. Presentations will begin at 10:00am and 12:00pm. Cost: $4.00 (adults); Free (over 62, under 13). Call: 888.253.8954. www.travelavoyelles.com
August 23: LOPA Trivia Challenge, First United Methodist Church-Pineville, 5:00pm. Annual Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency trivia challenge. Meal served at 5:00pm with the game starting at 6:00pm. Teams consist of between 6 and 8 people, ages 12 and up. Registration deadline is August 15th. Cost: $20 per player or to watch the contest (Includes a meal). Call Larabee Thompson: (318) 229-8871.
August 23: Craft Brews, BBQ and Blues Fundraiser, AMoA, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Join AMoA for its “Craft Beer & BBQ Blast” fundraiser. Nosh on delicious BBQ prepared by AlexRiverFete BBQ competitors, hear live music by Ministry of Jazz, and taste the best of Louisiana craft brews. Cost: $50.00. Call: (318) 443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 25: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia. We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
August 25: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Emeritus Senior Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach. This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month in conjunction with the Caregivers Support Group. The caregiver must attend the Caregivers Group and stay on campus during this group time. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
August 28: H20 – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking Lot, 10a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. A free event for the homeless or imminently homeless offering instant on-site services to the homeless community on their turf and terms. Free hygiene items, clothing, food, haircuts, medical screenings and more. Cost: Admission free. Call Tracey Antee: 442-8026 ext. 536.
September 6: Threads, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 5:30p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, 6:30p.m. Fashion Show. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center. Join us for a special fashion show featuring survivors as models. Proceeds benefit the Patient Assistance Fund at CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center. Cost: $25 per person; $350 table of 8. Call Cabrini Cancer Center: 448-6917.
Sports
August 12, 19, 26 and September 2: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday at AMoA, thanks to a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
August 12, 19, 26 and September 2: Run GDN, Spirits Food & Friends, 6:00pm. Every Tuesday—rain or shine—meet on the patio at Spirits Food and Friends located at 1200 Texas Avenue. Go for a run and rejoin for food and drinks. It can be whatever you want it to be! If you want to show up every week and sign in to let us know you’re here, that is great, and we will track your participation and reward you with a FREE PINT every 6 runs! All paces are welcome. E-mail Heather: [email protected].
August 16: Wild Kidz Triathlon, LSUA, 9a.m. Sponsored by Run Wild MultiSports LLC. Get your kids registered for this exciting Back 2 School Bash, guaranteed to be one of the best kids’ events in town. This event will encourage active living, healthy snacks and family fun. Distances are age appropriate and every participant gets a swag bag and a finisher’s medal. Wild Kidz: Start Fit! Stay Fit! Cost: $25 registration fee through August 1 and $35 registration fee through August 15. Call Elizabeth Cassano: 445-9735. www.runwild.us
