Programs
Arts Camp
In concert with the Calcasieu Parish Schools Art Department, The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana has sponsored a summer Arts Camp for kindergarten through 8th grade children for more than 20 years. This four-week camp gives students hands-on experience in the performing arts and visual arts. The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana provides both full and partial scholarships.
Downtown at Sundown
Downtown at Sundown is another fun way to experience the arts! This is a spring concert series sponsored by the City of Lake Charles, Downtown Development, and The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Held four Fridays in spring (May 14, 21, 28, and June 4), from 5:30 -8:30 PM, at Broad & Ryan Street, Downtown at Sundown features live music from local bands, along with cuisine from local restaurants and artisans displaying their wares.
Gallery Promenade
The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana has been instrumental in helping organize the annual Gallery Promenade for area artists and art spaces. The art walk event has been expanded to include galleries across Calcasieu Parish. 1997 was the inaugural year for this event, the open house was well received and this event has grown and we expect it to continue.
Spring Art Walk
The first Spring Art Walk was held in May 2005, and has become an annual highlight of the cultural calendar. This year's Art Walk, scheduled for April 9, will feature the works of more than 75 artists in 23 separate locations. Locals will enjoy strolling dow the historic streets of downtown while experiencing first-hand what their community has to offer. Once again, the Council will provide four New Orleans themed Belgian mule-drawn carriages. Sightseers may disembark at any stop along the way, catching the next carriage after they enjoy the sights, sounds, wine and hors d'oeuvres of each location.
Mayor's Arts Awards
The Mayor's Arts Awards, held annually in conjunction with Arts and Humanities Month, honor those in our region who strive for excellence in the arts and humanities. Awards are given for Artist of the Year, Cultural Organization of the Year, Citizen of the Arts, Business/Corporate Support, Citizen of the Humanities and Arts Educator of the Year.
Art Associates Gallery
Art Associates Gallery is a free space for artists to display their work. The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana manages the gallery in conjunction with Art Associates of Lake Charles. From grade school student work, to a Black History Month showing of the primitive art of Alvin Batiste, to pottery, sculpture and lithographs, Art Associates Gallery has attracted a wide range of artists and exhibits to the Central School Arts and Humanities Center. Exhibits usually hang five to six weeks, and jury panels are held twice a year. Any artist or group of artists may apply to the jury.
Workshops and Training
Workshops and training are an important part of our role in the community. Each year The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana holds a series of grant workshops, as well as training sessions of interest to artists and arts organizations, such as PAN on the Road, sponsored by the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts. The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana also makes information available to emerging 501(c)3 organizations to assist in their development.
We at The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will continue to strive to better serve our community with quality arts programs. In the wake of Hurricane Rita, the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana helped provide local artists and art organizations access to disaster Relief grant information, loan information and relocation information for displaced artists and affected arts organizations and businesses.