Imperial Calcasieu Museum

08/28/2026

✂️✨ Last night was all about cutting, layering, experimenting, and letting creativity take over!

Our collage workshop brought together an incredible group of creatives for an evening of turning ordinary images, textures, colors, and scraps into something completely new. From surreal portraits and Louisiana inspired scenes to playful pets and abstract compositions, no two pieces looked alike!

Collage is all about seeing possibility in what already exists: tearing it apart, rearranging it, and giving it an entirely new story. We loved watching everyone bring their own personality and perspective to the process.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us last night and filled the museum with conversation, creativity, and plenty of paper scraps!

Keep an eye out for more opportunities to create, connect, and try something new with us at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum! 💛

08/27/2026

✨ FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! ✨

Every piece of art holds a story and Monette Bourque is ready to share hers. 🧵

Join us for an intimate Artist Talk with Monette as she reflects on the personal experiences, memories, and moments of growth that have shaped her journey as both an artist and an individual. She will guide guests through the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the work featured in her exhibition, If Patchwork Were a Storyteller, revealing the stories stitched, layered, and preserved within each piece.

Through repurposed vintage textiles, traditional patchwork, raw-edge appliqué, embroidery, and quilting, Monette transforms fragments of the past into meaningful visual narratives. Her work explores memory, connection, transformation, and the beauty found in imperfection. Reminding us that even the pieces once overlooked can be brought together to create something meaningful.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from Monette, learn more about her creative process, ask questions, and experience her artwork from a deeply personal perspective.

Come discover the memories behind the materials, the symbolism within the stitches, and the life experiences that helped shape this beautiful body of work. ✨💐

08/26/2026

Your next creative night is waiting!

We have a full lineup of workshops coming to the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, with something for just about every kind of maker. From collage and ceramics to ink, incense burners, hair wreaths, and spray paint, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new, get your hands messy, and create alongside local artists.

Save the dates, bring your creativity, and come make something with us! Stay tuned for individual workshop details and registration information.

08/25/2026

A beautiful part of Lake Charles’ musical history.

Today, the world says goodbye to Dolly Parton, a true American icon whose extraordinary story has a special connection to Lake Charles.

Long before “Jolene,” “9 to 5” or “I Will Always Love You,” a 13-year-old Dolly traveled 30 hours by bus with her grandmother from Tennessee to Lake Charles. Here, at Goldband Records, she recorded her very first single, “Puppy Love,” in 1959. The song, written by Dolly and her uncle Bill Owens, was released with “Girl Left Alone” on the B-side.

That little record made in Southwest Louisiana marked the beginning of a career that would touch generations around the world.

We are proud that a small piece of Dolly’s remarkable story began right here in Lake Charles. Her music, generosity and unmistakable spirit will live on for generations.

Rest in peace, Dolly. 🤍

08/25/2026

Creativity is better when it’s shared! 🎨✨

Join us August 31 from 6–8 PM at Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Studio 208, for our next Lake Area Mixed Media Meetup featuring spotlight artist Jen Van Putten!

Jen will share her artwork and creative journey during a special Q&A session, giving guests the chance to learn more about her inspiration, process, and life as a local artist.

Bring a project in any medium to work on or simply come as you are! All forms of art and artisans are welcomed. This free meetup is a space to create, connect, and find a sense of belonging among local artists, creatives, and like minded people. Whether you’re an experienced artist, just beginning, or simply looking for your creative community, you are welcome here. 🖌️🧵✂️

Let’s create, learn, and grow together!

08/22/2026

Gift yourself a morning to slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect beneath the beautiful Sallier Oak.

Join us at 9 AM at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier St., for Yoga Under the Oak with instructor Maegan Gonzales.

08/21/2026

What a beautiful evening celebrating Monette Bourque and If Patchwork Were a Storyteller!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening filled with art, conversation, connection, and of course, a few sweet treats. It was wonderful watching guests explore Monette’s work up close, discover the stories stitched into each piece, and spend time connecting with the artist herself.

A very special thank you to Monette for sharing not only her incredible work with us, but also her time, stories, and creative spirit.

And the story isn’t over yet! Keep an eye out for the announcement of Monette’s upcoming Artist Talk, where we’ll have another opportunity to hear directly from her about her process, inspiration, and the stories behind the work.

Until then, come experience If Patchwork Were a Storyteller for yourself at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum until October 17th.

Every stitch has a story. 🪡❤️

08/20/2026

Creativity is better together! 🎨✨

Last night’s Lake Area Mixed Media Meetup filled the gallery with creating, conversation, and connection! From painting and drawing to fiber, jewelry, printmaking, and more, we loved seeing so many different creatives bring their own projects to the table.

Even better, everyone had the opportunity to create alongside our exhibiting artist Monette Bourque and Spotlight Artist Jen Van Putten, surrounded by Monette’s incredible exhibition. 🧵💛

And the fun isn’t over! Join us TONIGHT from 6–8 PM for the opening reception of Monette Bourque’s If Patchwork Were a Storyteller. Admission is free!

📍 Next M&M: August 31 | 6–8 PM | Central School
Featuring Jen Van Putten with a live portfolio showing + artist Q&A!

Bring a project, meet fellow creatives, and come make something with us.

Stay tuned for more details!