By now, everyone knows the funding concerns the museum faces. Most museums and Arts Organizations face similar challenges with granting sources becoming slimmer and the economy challenging us all. AMoA continues to provide quality exhibits and arts related programming accessible to all citizens of Central Louisiana and works collaboratively to serve our community.
Yoga in the Gallery continues on Tuesday afternoons from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and on Friday mornings from 8:30am to 9:30am. Joan Manuel leads us in this practice building strength, flexibility, balance, stress release and relaxation in the peaceful setting of the third floor gallery overlooking the Red River and the Bentley Hotel. A pass for 10 classes is $80.00, or $60.00 for members, and is good for 3 months. If you want to just drop in, the cost is $10.00 per class.
AMoA is now partnering with The Diamond Grill to offer lunch in the Clementine Cafe on Wednesdays from 11:00am to 1:30pm. General manager Ever Juarez, has put together a limited menu with variety and flair with all items priced under $10.00. Come enjoy a lovely lunch in a beautiful setting and watch the Clementine exhibits change with the seasons.
Our new gift shop, now managed by Karen and Tommy Faulk, is fabulous. A recent out-of-town visitor boasted that it rivals any museum shop they have visited, even in larger cities. The artists represented in the shop and others have requested that AMoA offer art market opportunities. Starting September 11th, Second Saturday Market at the Museum will fill the galleries and (if it’s not too hot) spill into the parking lot and patio. In an effort to support buying local, we are not only including art work, but also fresh produce and locally made food items. With the slow foods movement making momentum in neighboring parishes, AMoA would like to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy, locally produced items. So, before you drive out of town to stock up on hard to find items, come check out the Second Saturday Market at AMoA. Artist vendors will offer one-of-a-kind art for sale tax-free, and AMoA will offer an art activity for children during the market hours.
Saturday Seminars begin with drawing classes offered by New Orleans artist Joseph Pearson. Joseph spent time here after Katrina and will now be visiting AMoA to offer still life drawing classes on September 23rd, on the figure on October 30th and on portraits on November 20th. The cost for the series is $125.00 for nonmembers, $100.00 for members, or if you just want to drop in for one class, its $50.00. The classes will begin at 10:00am, break for lunch from 12:00noon to 1:00pm, and then continue until 2:00pm. They are for adults of all levels of experience, and are great for beginners or artists who want to brush up. Call the museum at (318) 443-3458 to sign up for this three part venture into drawing.
Museum After Hours will begin on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with a variety of offerings. On September 30th, we will have an Open Mic Night featuring local musicians performing songs from a selected classic album. We will select the album from suggestions received via facebook. All the songs on the album will be up for grabs, so watch our website and facebook to find out more and to sign up to do your version of these great songs in the Clementine Cafe. Also in September, we will team up with the LSUA film club and the Rapides Parish Library for film screenings.
With sustainability and collaboration in mind, the Alexandria Museum of Art will seek out creative ways to accomplish its mission while providing for the needs of our community. Our current exhibitions are the “23rd September Competition” offering contemporary art from local, regional and national artists and “A Sampler from the Arnold Aubert Vernon Collection” – a celebration of generous gifts to LSUA from ancient artifacts to contemporary African sculptures. “Those Who Can” from The Central Louisiana Arts Educators is in the Education Gallery .These exhibits offer a wide variety of art forms for visitors to explore.
