Arts
Ongoing-July: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Art Exhibits. July will feature art by JoAnne Thompson at the Cabrini Gallery (located in the Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology). The Rapides gallery (located in the South Tower between the lobby and ER) will feature the art of Flo Fessler during July and August. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing – July: A Thousand Words, JB Photo Studios and Gallery 1012 Third St. in Alexandria. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc. and Cabrini Cancer Center. Exhibit will feature photographs by Sherry Fore and stories of local cancer survivors living their lives. Call Judy Ginsburgh: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org.
Ongoing – August 22: ReTooled: Highlights from the Hechinger, Alexandria Museum of Art, during Museum hours. ReTooled brings to life unexpected subject of tools by profiling 28 visionary artists from the Hechinger Collection featuring more than 40 imaginative paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs. All of the works remind us that tools embody the can-do spirit that defines America and the quest to improve our quality of life. ReTooled was organized by the International Arts and Artists, Washington, DC, from Tools as Art: The Hechinger Collection, gift of John and June Hechinger. Call Alexandria Museum of Art: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing – August 22: Faculty and Friends: Artists Among Us, Alexandria Museum of Art, during Museum hours. Inspired by the creative resources in our community, this annual invitational exhibition showcases faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers of some of the arts organizations and arts education institutions in the Central Louisiana region. Call Alexandria Museum of Art: 318-443-3458.
July 9: Artist Roundtable Discussion, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m – 7:30p.m. Come and join a roundtable discussion at AMoA with fellow artists in conjunction with our annual Faculty and Friends: Artists Among Us Invitational Exhibition. We will discuss artistic inspirations, resources available to artists, and what would help you to develop as an artist. As this year is a strategic planning year for AMoA, we would like to hear from artists in our community and learn what we at the museum can do to help improve our community. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
July 10: Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 5p.m.-7p.m. Exhibit featuring River Oaks resident artist and artists Shannon Furrate and Rhonda Reap Curiel. Cost: Free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
July 14: The Legacy of Clementine Hunter: A Lecture by Tommy Whitehead, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 6:00pm. Clementine Hunter biographer, Tommy Whitehead will discuss the legacy of Clementine Hunter, and the significance of her large scale works. Cost: Free. Call: 318-357-2492.
July 18: Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1p.m. – 3p.m. Bring the whole family or just your kid at heart and enjoy this wonderful art experience. Cost: Free for AMoA member families (up to 4); $20 for non-members. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458 to sign up.
July 20-31: Summer Arts Studio: Session 4, River Oaks. 1330 Second Street
Explore the natural world to find your Eco-friendly inspiration through clay, paper Mache, recycled and found objects. Students will create unique one of a kind masterpieces. Cost: $245 afternoon classes only $400 all day classes. For children ages 5-13. Call Aubrey Bolen: 318-473-2670.
July 25: ReTooled Family Class: The Nuts and Bolts of Artistic Construction, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1p.m. – 3p.m. Families and kids of all ages will learn tool identification and safety measures while using nuts, bolts, and other hardware pieces to create fanciful collaged works of art. Their artwork will be inspired by art from the ReTooled: Highlights from the Hechinger Collection exhibition. Cost: Free for AMoA member families, $20 per non-member family. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458.
July 25: The Muse DIY Jewelry Workshop and Idea Swap, Alexandria Museum of Art, 3p.m. -6p.m. Space and materials are limited! Reserve your spot today by contacting Cindy Blair today at cindy@themuseum.org. Cost: Free to MUSE members. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458.
July 31: Deadline for the Muse’s 2nd juried Instagram competition: Selfie Expression, Alexandria Museum of Art. Begins at Midnight. How far can you push your selfie? To enter the competition, take your selfie; make sure it is set for public viewing, and use the hashtag #Museselfies2015. Cost: Free to MUSE members. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458.
Music
July 16: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. Live music, food, and fun! Join us on third Thursdays for the AMoA’s most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversations with friends, connect with art, listen to music of local musicians, and snack on tasty food and drink every third Thursday at AMoA. Cost: Free to AMoA members; $4 for non-members. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.
July 31: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7p.m.- 9p.m. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers, are presented AMoA, promoting the art of spoken word and self-expression, and creating opportunities for poets. Featuring Alexandria native and accomplished slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley. Cost: Free for AMoA members, $4 for non-members. Call: 318-443-3458.
August 1: Back to School Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 3:00pm. Sponsored by Arts and Healthcare Inc. Concert is open to the public to benefit Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Concert features rising Nashville star, Michelle Willis and America’s Got Talent Top Ten Finalist, Taylor Matthews. Performers will sign autographs and have CDs available for sale. Cost: $10.00. Call Judy: 318-769-7602.
Theatre
July 30-August 1: Always…Patsy Cline, A.A. Fredericks Auditorium, 6:00pm. Nortwestern State University Creative and Performing Arts presents its annual summer dinner theatre presentation. Advance registration is requried. Cost: $25.00. Call: 318-357-4218 or 318-357-4483.
Events
Ongoing- July 25: Rapides Parish Library 2015 Summer Reading Program, All locations, during location hours of operation. Sponsored by the Rapides Parish Library. Another successful Summer Reading Program ends at the end of July! Contact your neighborhood library regarding ending celebrations. Cost: Free. Call Tammy DiBartolo: 318-442-2483 x 1906.
Ongoing – July 31: George Rodrigue Scholarship Competition Exhibit, Alexandria Museum of Art, during Museum hours. This exhibition will feature 15 finalists chosen from over 600 entries by Louisiana high schools’ juniors and seniors in the George Rodrigue Foundation Art Contest. This year, young artists were invited to create a work of art based on the theme “Louisiana’s Music.” Call Alexandria Museum of Art: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing – August 7: YWCA Summer Day Camp, 5912 James Street, 7a.m.-5:30p.m. Mon.-Fri. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: $105 registration fee; $85 weekly tuition. Call LeeAnn Borrel: 318-442-3397.
July 6: Suicide Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex, 6:30pm. This group is faclilitated by Dr. Lee Weems. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. in the across the street from the hospital, 3351 Masonic Drive. This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Brown bag supper begins at 6:00pm. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 7 – July 10: Science Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 9a.m. – 12p.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Be a scientist while exploring geology, electricity, and more! Age requirements are 4-10. Cost: $70 per child for members, $60 non-members. Call Marissa Sonnier: 318-619-9394.
July 7 – 10: Illuminated Creatures, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m. – noon, 1p.m. -4p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Campers between the ages of 6 – 9 meet from 9a.m. – noon, campers 10 and up meet from 1p.m. – 4p.m. Campers will have a magical experience creating illuminated creatures and sculptures that will light up the night. These figures will be created from both paper globe lanterns and from bamboo strips, various types of papers and lit with battery powered LED lights. Some of these creatures can be used in the Fall 2015 Artwalk Illuminate the Arts Procession. Cost: $75 for members, $100 non-members. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458.
July 7: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm. This group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.
July 8: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00noon. 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; pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445.
July 8: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace Driveway, 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 correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free.
July 9: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 11: Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:00am. – 1:00pm. This class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on the benefits, techniques and concerns of breastfeeding. The father/support partner is welcome. Please pre-register. Cost: $20.00. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 11: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Lunch is included. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
July 11: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Second Saturday Market each month includes different art activities for kids. Kids and families enjoy exploring the Museum’s exhibitions, creating art projects together, and discovering their creativity with “Experimentation Stations” designed to let participants get hands-on with different art techniques. Cost: Free admission every second Saturday. Call Alexandria Museum of Art: 318-443-3458.
July 13: The Good Mourning Widowed 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 is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 13: Look Good…Feel Better, Rapides Cancer Center, 11:30am-1:30pm. Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. Look Good…Feel Better is a free program led by a trained volunteer cosmetologist who teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active therapy. In order to provide complimentary cosmetics, advance registration is required. Please identify what color makeup kit you will need: light, medium, dark or extra dark. Cost: Free. Call: 337-433-5131.
July 14: Living With Type 2 Diabetes Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 5:30pm-6:30pm. This is a support group for Type 2 diabetics and their families. It is a forum used to educate the Type 2 diabetics on everyday topics such as diabetes self-management, eating out challenges, consistent healthy eating habits, exercise/activity and stress management. There will be two 30-minute sessions per class: educational session then open discussion with Q&A session. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445.
July 14: Sibling Class, Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10.00. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 15: Safe Sitter, RRMC Education Department, 7:45am-4:30pm. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 13, can learn the basic skills needed to be a safe and successful babysitter. This medically-accurate, hands-on class teaches sitters how to entertain children and keep them safe, how to perform basic child-care skills, how to call for emergency help, what to do when a child chokes, how to keep themselves safe and how to start a successful babysitting business. Class size is limited; please pre-register. Cost: $45.00 (includes lunch and supplies). Call: 318-769-3445.
July 15: Poetry Workshop, King Branch Library, 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Join Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley for a 2-hour introductory poetry workshop. This workshop is for teen, tweens and adults. The learning curriculum is age-specific and will be geared appropriately based on the age group of attendees. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
July 16: 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 16: Wii Mania, King Branch Library, 3:00pm. It’s time to pull out your sweat bands and sneakers – join us as we dance and compete in Wii Fit Mania. Who will be crowned Wii-champion? Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
July 16: Estate Planning: Educational Approach to Estate Planning, Martin Branch Library, 4:30pm. Greg Walker, estate planning attorney discusses options on protecting your home and families, build a legacy for your loved ones, and how to reach your investment goals. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
July 16: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Cancer Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 16: Thursday’s on Third, Downtown Alexandria, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Downtown Alexandria Merchants and DARE. Fun, food and entertainment along Third St. in Downtown Alexandria. Cost: Varies. www.downtownalexandria.org.
July 16: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 17-18: 36th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, NSU Prather Coliseum. The Festival Theme is “Backroads and Bayous: Celebrating Louisiana’s Rural Folklife.” Music, food, crafts, narrative sessions, and demonstrations will be featured. The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held July 18th at 1:00pm in Magale Recital Hall. Cost: $11 (in advance). Call: 318-357-4332.
July 17: Movie Time at Westside, Westside Regional Library, 2:00pm. Wreck-It Ralph is tired of always being the villain, he wants to be the hero for once. With his special destructive skills, can he rise to the task of being a superhero? Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906. www.rpl.org
July 18: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. 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: 318-769-4440.
July 18: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:30am-4:00pm. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Cost: $30.00. Call: 866-581-3627.
July 18: Be a Cyber Superhero: Internet Etiquette and Cyber Safety, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm. Join Detective Curtis Gunter as he talks about cyber safety and Internet etiquette. This is an important program for everyone to hear! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
July 20 – July 31: YWCA Swim Lessons, 5912 St. James St, 8a.m.-11:15a.m. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: Level 1 $70, Level 2 & up $80. Call LeeAnn Borrel: 318-442-3397.
July 20: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor, this class will be an in-depth opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and other comfort measures for labor and delivery. The support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Bring pillows to class. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
July 21- July 24: Get Set to be a Vet, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. 9a.m. – 12p.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Learn more about animals and what makes them so unique! Age requirements are 4-10. Cost: $70 per child for members, $60 non-members. Call Marissa Sonnier: 318-619-9394.
July 21: Superhero Training Academy 101, Johnson Branch Library, 1:00pm. Learn through scientific experimentation how to make invisible ink using a few every day ingredients. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
July 22: “Book-arage!”, King Branch Library, 11:00am-8:00pm. A new twist on the ever popular garage sales! For every book you check out, you can head into the meeting room that’s been transformed into a mini garage/flea market. Shop for yourself or someone else! Check out 3 books and select 3 items in the “Book-arage!” Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
July 22: Summer Teacher’s Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Invite your favorite teacher and join us for food, fun and lots of door prizes! Enjoy a mini concert by Kristyn and James Opdenhoff and learn how to wrap the “Perfect Gift” with guest speaker Marsha Inman. Sponsored by Cenla Women’s Connection. Please RSVP by Friday, July 17th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.
July 23: H2O-Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking Lot, 10a.m. – Noon. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. H2O is a monthly homeless street outreach that provides instant, on-site services such as housing resources, medical screenings, haircuts and more. Community partners provide a hot meal, clothing, food, eater, and hygiene kits. Cost: Free. Call Tracey Antee: 318-442-8026.
July 23: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.
July 27: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. 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: 318-448-6938.
July 27: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. 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: 318-448-6938.
August 1: Summer Reading Program Party, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am. The 2015 Summer Reading Program has come to its exciting conclusion, now we come together one last time to celebrate and receive rewards and certificates of achievement! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
August 4: Summer Reading Program Celebration for Adults, Gunter Branch Library, 6:30pm. Author Fletcher McHale will be on hand to visit and discuss her novel, “Save Us a Seat”. Save Us a Seat is the endearing testament of a brutally honest, no holds barred and fiercely loyal friendship between three women. Ride the rollercoaster of emotions as the friends navigate the sometimes hilarious, often touching and always loyal road of friendship and the joys and trials it brings. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
August 6: Back to School Bingo Bash, Alexandria Convention Hall, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Students grades K-12 are invited to play bingo for prizes ranging from school supplies to sports equipment. Refreshments provided. Cost: $2 per child. Call Courtney Paige: 318-449-5108.
August 8: Visitor Appreciation Day. Alexandria Zoo, 9a.m. – 4p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Get up, get out, and come play at the Alexandria Zoo on this day filled with music, entertainment, animals, and fun. In appreciation of the community’s support, admission to the Zoo is free. Cost: Free. Call Lee Ann Whitt or Angele Ehlers: 318-441-6833 or 318-441-6832.
Sports
July 6 – July 10: LSUA Summer Basketball Camp, LSUA Campus, Fitness Center, 8a.m. – 12 p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Men’s Basketball. Cost: $100. Call Larry Cordaro: 985-981-3882.
July 6-30: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm – 5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes are on-going and meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 7, 14, 21, and 28: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.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: Free. Call Alexandria Museum of Art: 318-443-3458.
July 8-29: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 16: Basic Tae Kwon Do, Johnson Branch Library, 11:00am. Every superhero needs to know how to protect yourself from villains. Master Rousseau is at the Johnson Branch to instruct basic Tae Kwon Do moves. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
July 27- July 31: Summer Sailing at Lake Buhlow Session 4, Lake Buhlow, Sailing times from 12:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. Sponsored by Louisiana College Health and PE. Cost: $95 per person, only 8 students per session. Call Robin Stewart: 318-640-8968.
August 3 – August 7: LSUA Summer Basketball Camp, LSUA Campus, Fitness Center, 8a.m. – 12 p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Men’s Basketball. Cost: $100. Call Larry Cordaro: 985-981-3882.