Art
Ongoing-June 26: She Persisted: Louisiana Women in Art, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria). The Alexandria Museum of Art is celebrating Louisiana female artists in honor of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Postponed from 2020, this exhibition will now open during the 2021 International Women’s Day Celebration. “She Persisted” features both nationally recognized and lesser-known female artists in our state whose talent and persistence broke through generations of male-favored systems in art. From Newcomb to up and coming artists, AMoA has selected just a small portion of the outstanding female artists to showcase the incredible work that has been and is being created by amazing women in our state. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
Ongoing-August 7: River Oaks Annual Resident Artists Summer Show, Becky O’Neal & Matt Dawson, River Oaks Square Arts Center 1330 2nd St., Alexandria). Visit River Oaks Square Art Center for the Annual Resident Artists Summer Show plus ‘When Winter Comes’ by Becky O’Neal in the Galerie des Amis and ‘Rain & Steel’ by Matt Dawson in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. Sponsored by Dr. Betsy Long Memorial Fund and Noelle & Michael Crowell. We also encourage you to save the date for the popular Summer Art Studio Student Show on Saturday, August 14th. Call: 318-473-2670. riveroaksartscenter.com
June 7 & July 5: Free Access Mondays, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:00am-2:00pm. Each first Monday of the month, AMoA is opening the doors to the galleries for those with disabilities and special needs including those on the ASD spectrum, and their families and caregivers. A special interactive station is available for educational stimulation, experimentation with writing and drawing prompts, textures, communication cards to assist in your visit. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
June 11: Adult Painting Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. Join Victoria for an outdoor acrylic painting class featuring a butterfly. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. Contact: [email protected]. www.rpl.org
June 18: Children’s Art Class, Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Pl, Alexandria), 9:00am-11:00am. Join Victoria for an outdoor art class to make a woodland creature-themed planter. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1902. www.rpl.org
June 19: Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 1:00pm-3:00pm. Families will discuss the sculptures of Lynda Benglis on display in the She Persisted exhibition. Then we will squish, pour and splatter a variety of art materials to learn how Benglis created her own brand of abstract sculptures about how materials move. This will be a real hands on experience to be enjoyed by family members of all ages 6+! Bring up to 4 family members with you for this in-person class. Cost: $20.00; free w/ AMoA Family membership or above. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
July 6: Creativity Launch Pad, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:30pm-7:00pm. The Creativity Launch Pad is an 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. Cost: $20.00 non-members; Free AMoA members. Call: 318-443-3458. themuseum.org
Music
June 24: Chords of Blue Autism Awareness Benefit Concert, Hotel Bentley (200 DeSoto Street, Alexandria), 6:30pm. Only 100 tickets will be sold for this fantastic benefit concert for autism awareness at the beautiful, historic Hotel Bentley. The show will feature Sarah Grace, semi-finalist from Season 15 of NBC’s “The Voice” along with “The Soul”. All proceeds benefit St. Mary’s Residential Training School. Cost: $50.00 General Admission; $100 VIP. chordsofblue.com
June 26: Keith Sweat in Concert, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center, (711 Paragon Place, Marksville), 8:00pm. R&B superstar Keith Sweat is best known for his collection of hits including “I Want Her”, “Make It Last Forever”, “I’ll Give All My Love to You”, “Make You Sweat”, “Get Up on It”, “Twisted” and “Nobody”. He has released 13 solo albums and two as a part of the R&B supergroup LSG. With a career that spans 24 years of record breaking and trail blazing contributions to the Pop and R&B genre. He is coined the genius behind the New Jack Swing phenomenon of the late 1980s. Don’t miss your chance to experience this R&B legend live! Cost: $29.00+. Call: 800-946-1946. Paragoncasinoresort.com
June 27: God & Country Concert, Poland Baptist Church (3323 Highway 457, Alexandria), 6:00pm. Poland Baptist Church will host their annual patriotic 4th of July Program entitled, “God & Country Concert” under the direction of Mike Davis. A delicious Southern-style reception will follow in the Poland Baptist Church Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy this spectacular, community-wide event featuring the musical talent of Poland Baptist church and many more local guests and friends. Call: 318-442-0738.
Theatre
June 11-13: Red River Dance Theatre Summer Workshop, Red River Dance Theatre Company 2700 Lee St, Alexandria. Red River Dance is proud to announce the return of summer workshop! The workshop is open to all dancers ages 9 to 18. Dancers will be divided into three different groups based on their age and level of experience to learn, and improve techniques in different genres of dance. Classes offered are : Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Variation, and Horton Technique (Modern). The workshop will culminate with a Sunday Showcase of techniques and dances learned throughout the weekend. Price includes top level instruction and lunch. Cost: $75.00 company members; $125 non-members. Call: 318-443-7500.
June 22-24: Disney’s The AristoCats Kids, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center 1202 3rd St., Alexandria). LBM Productions Summer Musical Theatre Intensive participants will showcase their singing, acting, dancing, and technical theatre talents with a production of the classic Disney story. Shows will begin nightly Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00pm with a 4:00pm matinee performance set for Wednesday. Call: 318-451-3915. LBMProductions.net
Events
Ongoing-June: 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.
June 7: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm. This group helps parents who have lost babies. Please enter through the Scott Street entrance to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7569.
June 7-11: River Oaks Summer Arts Studio Session 1, River Oaks Square (1330 Second Street, Alexandria). In Summer Arts Studio, the COVID Years Season 2, Episode 1 SAS campers and staff are excited to act in the Studios! Everyone is getting ready for the Big Luau on Thursday. With only a week to get mixed media and paintings projects finished, campers are forced to make real time creative decisions. Core Curriculum: Painting, 2D & 3D Mixed Media. The Themed Thursday will be The River Luau. Morning and Afternoon Snack provided. Pre-registration is required. Additional all-day option is available for an additional fee. Cost: $180 per camper. Call: 318-473-2670.
June 8: Piggy Bank Craft, Martin Branch Library (801 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville), 10:00am-11:00am. Children will enjoy making a piggy bank with this grab-n-go craft kit that is available while supplies last. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
June 8, 15, 22, 29 & July 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.
June 9: 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.
June 10: Tie-Dye Crafts, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library (1075 Highway 497, Glenmora), 3:00pm-4:30pm. Come and join us for some tie-dye fun! We will be tie-dying various items. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
June 11: Tails and Tales Otter Storytime, Rapides Parish Library Facebook (fb.me/rapideslibrary), 9:00am. Join Caity Hirsch of the Alexandria Zoological Park on Facebook to hear the story What do You do if You Work at the Zoo by Robin Page and Steve Jenkins and view an otter training and interview with the Zoo’s Veterinarian Technician. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904. www.rpl.org
June 11: Ready for Launch, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library (1115 Broadway Ave, Alexandria). Pick up a functioning catapult grab-n-go craft kit during library hours and join us on Facebook Live for a building tutorial at 10:00am. Craft kit is available while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
June 11: Dragon Moon Painting, Martin Branch Library (801 W Shamrock Ave, Pineville), 10:00am-11:00am. Get artsy with a dragon moon painting grab-n-go paint kit for adults that is available while supplies last. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
June 12: Saving Face Through Grace Benefit, Main Street Truck Park (930 Main Street, Pineville), 10:00am-2:00pm. This benefit is to help Christian Collister with the medical expenses, along with travel expenses to Houston for multiple surgeries after a gunshot accident just over two years ago. Christian needs your help reaching his $17,000 goal to complete his operations! Have fun with your family while donating to a good cause for a good person. Scheduled vendors include: Big Belly’s, Sophia’s Italian Ice, Delicious Beverage, Chi-towns Jerk on Wheels, and Shep’s Fresh Cracklins & BBQ. Friends and family can donate directly to Red River Bank c/o Benefit for Christian Collister at any location. Call: 727-709-5039.
June 12: Second Saturday Market, Huckleberry Brewing Company (4724 Sterkx Road, Alexandria), 1:00pm. On the second Saturday of each month, Huckleberry Brewing Company will be hosting a vendors market on the Huckleberry grounds! Come check out some awesome local vendors at the Second Saturday Market! If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or through Facebook messenger!
June 14: Origami for Children, Rapides Parish Library YouTube Channel (https://bit.ly/RPLyoutube), 2:00pm. Join us on YouTube for a children’s origami tutorial. All supplies are included in the Summer Reading Program activity kit that you may pick up at any RPL location. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904. www.rpl.org
June 14: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 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: 318-769-4440.
June 15-18: Space Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Is your child interested in space? We’ll explore the galaxy in this class. Students will learn about the moon and stars. We will visit the planets. Our older students will build lunar rovers and explore the international space station. Summer camps are for ages 4-12 and campers should bring their own water bottle daily. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Cost: $85.00 Members; $95.00 Non-members. Call: 318-619-9394.
June 15: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 6:00pm-8:00pm. This is a class just for moms and daughters. It is geared toward opening conversation between moms and daughters about female development from a female’s point of view. Topics addressed include breast development, hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, hygiene, feminine products, exercise, emotional changes, etc. This is not a sexual education class. It is more of a fun, educational session on female development during puberty. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-769-4440.
June 16: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center on the Greens (90 Harold Miles Park, Boyce), 12:00pm. Speaker Sharon Steen from Lafayette, will be presenting “The Superwoman Syndrome”. We are abiding by CDC guidelines for restaurants to prevent the spread of Covid-19. So wear a mask, social distance of at least six feet and hand washing encouraged. We will have hand sanitizer as well. So come and join us. Please RSVP by Friday, June 11th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-790-0415 or Email: [email protected].
June 16: Origami for Teens, Rapides Parish Library YouTube Channel (https://bit.ly/RPLyoutube), 2:00pm. Join us on YouTube for a teen origami tutorial. All supplies are included in the Summer Reading Program activity kit that you may pick up at any RPL location. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904. www.rpl.org
June 18-19: Save Cenla ASIST Training, Pineville Park Baptist Church (2455 Highway 28 East, Pineville), 8:00am-4:30pm. Suicide and mental health issues are a growing concern, especially in these trying times. Suicide is preventable. Anyone can make a difference. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an evidence-based, two-day workshop in suicide prevention skills helps participants learn and practice a life-saving intervention model that is widely used by professionals and the general public. Open to ages 16+. Mental health professionals can receive 12 CEUs after taking this workshop for $60.00 through livingworks.net (a $300 value). Sponsored by Central Louisiana Human Services District. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. SaveCenla.com
June 18: Tails and Tales Tiger Storytime, Rapides Parish Library Facebook (fb.me/rapideslibrary), 9:00am. Join Miss Karla on Facebook to hear the story Actual Size by Steve Jenkins and learn about tigers and their size with Caity Hirsch of the Alexandria Zoological Park. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904. www.rpl.org
June 18: Celebrating Fathers!, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library (1115 Broadway Ave, Alexandria). Pick up a grab-n-go Father’s Day card kit for Father’s Day. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
June 18: Sea Life Rock Art, Johnson Branch Library (1610 Veterans Drive, Lecompte), 9:00am-11:00am. Celebrate Tails and Tales Summer Reading Program with a sea life rock art grab-n-go kit that is available while supplies last. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
June 19 & July 6: APD New Hire Physical Testing, Alexandria Senior High Football Stadium, 9:00am. The Alexandria Police Department will host a physical fitness assessment session for those interested in becoming police officers. The APD application process requires candidates to pass a physical fitness assessment which includes a 1.5 mile timed run, 1-minute of push-ups and 1-minute of sit-ups. Individuals may take the assessment even if they have not yet completed the civil service exam or submitted an application. Passing scores will be valid for up to six months. Police Academy staff members will be on hand to provide tips and pointers to help participants improve their scores and answer questions. Call: 318-441-6429.
June 19: Celebration of Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library (1115 Broadway Ave, Alexandria), 1:00pm-2:00pm. Let this be a day commemorated on canvas. It marks the 156th anniversary of the end of slavery. We will put our fist in for solidarity. Visit the branch to pick up information on Juneteenth and its importance. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
June 21-25: Jane in June Camp, Kent Plantation House (3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria), 9:00am-3:30pm. here are still a few available spots for the Kent House annual Jane In June Camp. During Jane in June, young ladies will complete numerous art projects, attend and host authentic tea parties, learn dances, etiquette, journal, games, and pastimes of Jane Austen’s era. They will learn to set and serve a proper table for a variety of occasions, tour the Kent House, grounds, and create a summer full of lifetime memories. Tuition includes lunch, snacks, and supplies each day. Attendance is limited to the first 24 young ladies who register, ages 8 to 12. Cost: $200 per camper. Contact: [email protected]. kenthouse.org
June 22 & 24: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department (211 4th Street, Alexandria), 8:15am-4:00pm. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 14, 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. Registration includes lunch and supplies. Class size is limited. Please pre-register. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.
June 29-July 2: Dinosaur Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum (1403 3rd Street, Alexandria), 9:00am-12:00pm. Have a future Paleontologist? Students will learn about Carnivores and Herbivores. Make dinosaur tracks and dig for dinosaur bones. Summer camps are for ages 4-12 and campers should bring their own water bottle daily. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Cost: $85.00 Members; $95.00 Non-members. Call: 318-619-9394.
July 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.
Sports
June 5, 12, 19, 26 & July 3: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Paul Nettles of The Levee Tai Chi School leads a class in Qi Gong, which is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
June 8, 15, 22, 29 & July 6: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 5:45pm. Register online by selecting the class you would like to attend. Out of courtesy for our class waiting list, please cancel at least two hours prior to class start time. Masks are required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
June 12: Yoga for Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art (933 2nd Street, Alexandria), 10:30am.The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month a Lotus Vibes present a Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.
June 19: Hot Yoga Class, Oakland Plantation (4386 Highway 494, Natchez), 2:00pm-3:30pm. Join us under the shade of the oak allée as we limber up and enjoy hot yoga from our friends at ‘Lotus In the Pines’ yoga studio. This beginner to intermediate ‘easy flow’ class is a great way to learn about the benefits of yoga in a comfortable setting. You must bring a yoga mat. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383, ext. 316.
*All events subject to change in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
