January 2024 Calendar-at-a-Glance

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Art

Ongoing-January 10: Metamorphosis, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). Internationally award-winning artist Eric Hess of Sanctuary Arts School in Shreveport brings his new project titled Metamorphosis to AMoA starting in November. You will not want to miss this collection of 17 works of art created by eco-conscious artists from around Louisiana who create art from usually discarded materials including wood, metal, glass, plastic, paper, and found objects. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Ongoing-February 3: River Oaks Square Arts Exhibitions, River Oaks Square Arts Center (1330 2nd Street, Alexandria). The 8th Annual 5x5x5 Show National Call for Miniature Works returns with Guest Juror, Tom Richard. Charissa Owens presents, “L’amour de la Vie,” a tribute to “The Love of Living,” in the Galerie des Amis along with the 2023 Art for All Ceramics and Painting Outreach Program Exhibition in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com

Ongoing-February 17: The Global Language of Headwear, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality explores the vital role of ceremonial headwear throughout diverse cultural customs, beliefs, and rituals. The exhibit features approximately 89 hats and headdresses from 43 different countries spanning five continents. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 9: Creatives Round Table, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:30pm. Are you an artist or creative in Central Louisiana? Are you looking for a place to come and talk to other creatives? Join us for the Creative Round Table! Being an artist can be isolating, but we can lift each other up! Do you want to learn about grants and artist calls? Talk about process? Maybe you want to learn how other artists market their art or ship their art? Well, come on! Let’s talk about it! No need to register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 9: Creativity Launch Pad—Portraits in Pencil, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Launch your creativity in this on-going adult (21+) art education series for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment in which to learn, receive instruction, experiment with mediums with other adults. Launch Pad classes offer a rotation of mediums to provide a well-rounded art experience, designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students. All supplies are included. Classes meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Cost: $10.00 AMoA Members; $20.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 12: AMoA Featured Guest Speaker Brandon Lewis, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm-6:45pm. Join AMoA as we welcome Brandon Lewis, LSU Museum of Art Educator and Public Programs Manager, for a lecture to learn about hats and their impact and significance in African American culture Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 13: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). Enjoy the Alexandria Museum of Art without admission charge on the second Saturday of the month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

 February 3: Adult Workshop: Figure Drawing in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second Street, Alexandria), 10:30am-3:30pm. This adult workshop will focus on learning how to draw the human figure including capturing gesture, form, shading and technique. Instruction will include warm-up exercises, short and long pose compositions with a live model. All supplies are included. Registration is required. This is a full day workshop; plan to bring a lunch or pick up something downtown. Cost: $60.00 AMoA members; $80.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

February 6: Creativity Launch Pad—Mindfulness, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. Launch your creativity in this on-going adult (21+) art education series for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment in which to learn, receive instruction, experiment with mediums with other adults. Launch Pad classes offer a rotation of mediums to provide a well-rounded art experience, designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students. All supplies are included. Classes meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Cost: $10.00 AMoA Members; $20.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

Music

January 14: MLK Musical Celebration, Alexandria City Hall (915 Third Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm. Join Cenla Citywide Revival on the steps of City Hall for an evening of music hosted by Charvette Robinson, featuring musical guests God’s Plan, Citywide Adult & Youth Choirs, St. Matthews BC Choir, Nazarene BC Choir, Providence Family Praise Dance, and Daughters of Zion Praise Dance. Call: 318-416-2130.

January 26: The Greatest Love of All, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd. Street, Alexandria), 7:00pm. Join the Arts Council as we present the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids, fresh off her European tour! Whitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute show described as “mind-blowingly spot on.” Cost: $27.00-$37.00. Call: 318-484-4474. louisiana-arts.org

February 4: RSO and New Orleans Ballet Theatre, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (1202 3rd. Street, Alexandria), 2:30pm. A small ensemble of the Symphony will be joined by dancers from the New Orleans Ballet Theatre. The troupe of approximately 20 professional ballet dancers will be presenting two works with choreography by the renowned choreographer George Balanchine. The concert will also feature a world premiere performance of “Esplanade” as choreographed by Diogo de Lima. Call: 318-442-9709. rapidessymphony.org

Theatre

January 12-13: Crowns the Musical, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 Second St, Alexandria). You won’t want to miss this moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of Black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young Black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Directed by Rosa Metoyer. Come to the museum wearing your best hat for a catered Big Hat Lunch hosted by Ingrid Johnson, Esq. ahead of the Saturday matinee; inclues three-course lunch and entry to the show. Friday evening performance begins at 7:00pm; Matinee Performance plus Big Hat Luncheon begins at 12:00pm. Cost: $20.00 Performance only; $50.00 Big Hat Luncheon and Performance. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 25-February 4: First Night, Kress Theatre (1102 3rd St., Alexandria). First Night by Jack Neary is a right, warm comedy about dreams, life, and love, that had critics and audiences cheering at its premiere. Danny Fleming had convinced himself that life’s dreams can’t be anything more than dreams. Then back into his life walks his eighth-grade flame, Meredith O’Connor – only now it’s Sister Meredith Louise, and it becomes a New Year’s Eve to remember. Performances begin nightly Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees begin at 2:00pm. Tickets available online and in the box office before each show; Doors open 30 minutes before each show. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors (>60) & Military (w/ ID); $7.00 Students; $5.00 Thursdays. Contact: [email protected]

Events

Ongoing-January: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church (1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria), 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

January 9, 16, 23, 30 & February 6: Alexandria Farmer’s Market, First United Methodist Church (2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria), 3:00pm-6:00pm. The Alexandria Farmers Market is a weekly gathering that connects the community of Alexandria with the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural artisans of Central Louisiana. This connection strives to improve the physical, social, and economic well-being of the region by providing access to fresh, healthy, local food for residents, fostering community relationships, and serving as a business incubator for growers and producers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-441-3407.

January 10: Cenla Prayer Connection, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place, Alexandria), 10:00am. Join hostess Cheryl George for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and light refreshments. No RSVP required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-201-2382.

January 10: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center Main Entrance (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

January 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center (2225 North MacArthur Drive, Alexandria), 12:00pm. Come and enjoy a wonderful meal with speakers, fellowship, and many door prizes. Guest Speaker, Mary Fruge, will present on “New Beginnings”. Please pre-register by Friday, January 12th. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-447-4673.

January 20: Healthy Living Family Festival, Alexandria Mall (3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria), 11:00am-2:00pm. Join the Alexandria Mall for wellness offerings to families and community members in Central Louisiana. Featuring Health & Fitness Engagement Booths, DJ, and Kids’ Activity Zone. Cost: Free.

January 20: Art Disco—A Groovy Gala Celebrating 45 years of Arts Programing, Avoyelles Art Council (218 Cottonport Ave., Cottonport), 6:30pm. Step back in time to 1979 as we celebrate four-and-a-half decades of arts programming in Avoyelles. We’re stoked to commemorate the righteous individuals who have contributed directly to the arts council’s work and those who have shaped the artistic landscape of Avoyelles. Join us for a night of disco fun featuring a live auction, a DJ and other groovy surprises! With loads of gratitude, we look back on 45 years of achievements and dance toward an even brighter future for the arts in Avoyelles. Cost: $75.00. Call: 318-264-1826.

February 3: Experimental Aircraft Association 1st Saturday Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport (200 Lake Buhlow Road, Pineville), 7:30am-10:00am. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, milk, orange juice, and more! Anyone interested in aviation and general cordial chatter with lakeside ambience is welcome and invited to come to enjoy breakfast with us! Cost: $10.00 Donation.

February 3: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers First Saturday Gathering, Indian Creek Recreation Area (100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth), 9:00am-12:30pm. A delicious day with Dutch oven cooking enthusiasts. There is no charge for food, however, donations are accepted. Regular park admission applies. Call: 318-625-1762.

Sports

January 9, 16, 23, 30 & February 6: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Chill out every Tuesday with yoga classes taught by Learn with Laci. Registration is no longer required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org

January 20: Cenla Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Festival, Kees Park Community Center (2450 Highway 28 East, Pineville), 8:30am-3:30pm. Hosted by the Kisatchie Fly Fishers club, the 5th biennial Cenla Fly Fishing Festival celebrates the vast fly fishing and fishing-related opportunities across the region.  There are expert seminars on fly fishing, bass fishing, marsh fishing and kayak fishing.  There’s also fly casting instruction, fly tying demonstrations, exhibitors, and much more.  Lunch is available for a nominal cost.  There’s also a raffle with net proceeds to benefit The Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-5855. kisatchiefly.org

*All events subject to change.