Current Exhibitions
Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft and Traditional Art
July 28 - September 26, 2010
Charles "Jean" Horner (TN), Mandolin, 2007, spruce, curly maple, ebony, mother of pearl, and abalone mussel shell
LASM’s late summer exhibition celebrates masterworks of contemporary craft and traditional art Traditional artwork typically reflects a community aesthetic that has experienced only modest change over time. By contrast, contemporary craft reflects a full range of individual expression. The selection on view demonstrates the similarities and differences in these approaches to creating artwork while exploring Southern heritage.
The 100 diverse items on view are made of glass, clay, fiber, metal, wood, paper, and mixed media. They include works ranging from wooden books, a Mardi Gras Indian costume, a set of silver mint julep cups, ceramics, baskets, glass sculptures, and quilts to a wooden half-hull boat model and a sponge-diving helmet. Learn more at traditioninovation.com
This exhibition and related programs is a project of Southern Arts Federation, and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, and by a Local Project Assistance Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, funded by the Mayor-President and the Baton Rouge Metro Council. It is also supported by a grant in memory of Clara and J. W. Annison from The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Samuel S. Lipscomb and Joseph W. Annison Family Memorial Fund.
Nature Photography by Julia Sims from the LASM Collection
July 20 - December 5, 2010
Julia Sims, Cypress Sunbeam, c1990-1995 , Color Photograph
Julia Sims earned the moniker "Swamp Lady" for her devotion to photographing the vast Manchac Swamp surrounding Lake Maurepas. These photographs taken between 1990 and 1995, many of which were featured in her popular book Manchac Swamp: Louisiana's Undiscovered Wilderness, capture the beauty and mystery of a hidden world and support the need to preserve Louisiana’s wetlands.
A resident of Ponchatoula, Sims is one of the premier photographers of Louisiana wildlife. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, National Wildlife, Nature Conservancy, Sierra, Birder's World, and Ducks Unlimited.
Selections from the Dorian Bennet Collection
July 25 - September 26, 2010
Knute Heldner, Untitled, c. 1950-1960, Oil on canvas. Collection of Dorian Bennett.
Native New Orleanian Dorian Bennet has amassed a wide-ranging collection that demonstrates his passion for all forms of fine art and for his home state. Among the Louisiana works in his collection are paintings by historic figures such as William Aiken Walker and Joseph R. Meeker; contemporary works by nationally recognized artists, including Doug Bourgeois, Clyde Connell, and Jackie Bishop; and work by emerging artists.
A self-described "aesthete," Bennett is a trained musician, enjoys painting and making ceramics, and has a strong appreciation for antiques and historic preservation. He has served on the board of several arts organizations.