Latest news with #Alamond
American Press
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Imperial Pour fundraiser offers wine, art with a sip of culture
Imperial Calcasieu Museum's The Imperial Pour on June 27 will offer a chance to sample fine wines, examine works of art highlighting corkscrews and learn history related to Southwest Louisiana. (Special to the American Press) L ocals will have an opportunity to sip on hand-selected wines and learn some history next week at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum's The Imperial Pour. From 6-8 p.m. on June 27, ICM is offering an inaugural artful wine-tasting experience. Guests will be treated to six wine pours and pairings, curated by Ryan Kennedy, a Lake Charles-based sommelier. While sipping, they can enjoy after-hours access to the exhibitions on display at the museum: 'Through the Lines,' 'El Nuevo Constante: Shipwrecked' and 'The Conde Antique Corkscrew Collection.' 'Through the Lines' features pieces from ICM's permanent collection, which showcases foundational Louisiana artists like John James Audubon, Boyd Cruise and Angela Gregory. 'El Nuevo Constante: Shipwrecked' is a historical collection that includes recovered artifacts from a Spanish merchant vessel that sank near the coast in 1766. 'Te Conde Antique Corkscrew Collection' is a one-night-only first look at a collection of 'ornate and rare' historic corkscrews, said ICM creative specialist Anna Alamond. 'These exhibitions offer a meaningful backdrop to the evening, blending art, history and heritage in true Southwest Louisiana spirit,' she said. The Imperial Pour was conceived by a desire to share the love of art, history and community ties with Southwest Louisiana. 'We wanted to create a moment to come together, celebrate our rich cultural heritage, and raise a glass to the people who support and sustain it,' she said. Out of the more than 200 antique corkscrews that will be on display, Alamond said five standouts will be featured in a silent auction, such as a mother-of-pearl perfume corkscrew, a Civil War-era bullet mold/corkscrew combo built and 'The Surprise, a playful perpetual motion piece that lives up to its name', she said. The proceeds from the auction and the event admission support ICM's arts and humanities programming and keep the museum's mission, Alamond said. 'The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is all about shining a spotlight on local art and history, but more than that, we aim to spark passion and curiosity in the stories and artifacts we all share here in Southwest Louisiana. Through our exhibitions and programs, we want people to connect deeply with our community's culture and heritage, find something or someone who resonates deeply or connects them to another.' Tickets are $75 and limited to those 21 years and older.
American Press
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Walk springs creativity: Annual Spring Art Walk stroll to a new location
The Spring Art Walk will be noon-4 p.m. Friday at The Quad on the McNeese State University campus. The free, family-friendly event hosted annually by the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA celebrates local art and talent. (Special to the American Press) In the heart of the tree-lined McNeese State University Quad, exciting things are happening this week — especially for artists and art enthusiasts. The annual Spring Art Walk, hosted by the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA, has shifted from its traditional downtown location to the heart of the McNeese campus and the pedestrian promenade it offers. The free, family friendly event is set for noon-4 p.m. Friday. 'It is a jam-packed treat of experience,' said Arts and Humanities Council Board Member at Large Anna Alamond, who said guests can enjoy an afternoon stroll through the campus while exploring a dynamic lineup of activities. 'The Spring Art Walk is going to be absolutely bustling this year.' The open-air market will feature handcrafted goods and original works from more than 50 vendors, as well as interactive art zones. 'We're going to have everything from poetry readings happening to theater performances happening and that will all be available for everyone to see,' she said. 'Whenever you walk in, you're going to see incredible vendors and everything from ceramics to crochets to wonderful paintings — oil and acrylic — and you're going to be surrounded by the creativity.' The air will be alive with performances by local musicians, dancers, poets, and theater groups. Highlights include a sneak peek from Sulphur High School Theatre's production of 'Beetlejuice' and a musical performance by cast members of ACTS Theatre's latest play, 'A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum.' The Indie-rock band Barfly will also perform. 'If you're coming to Spring Art Walk, make sure you bring your favorite sketch book and your favorite picnic blanket because one of the The Art Factory instructors will be there to help facilitate a live figure drawing session,' Alamond said. 'Whoever wants to participate has to have courage because we'll be rotating who's the model. It will basically be a community figure drawing session for anyone who wants to drop in.' Alamond said the decision to move the walk from downtown Ryan Street to McNeese was an easy one. 'Whenever we think about our creative community, so many of our creatives come from McNeese,' she said. 'We wanted to honor those roots and we also hope that anyone who comes to this event will follow us to our events downtown.' Alamond said events like the Spring Art Walk are important for community members to establish connections. 'I can't tell you how many friends I've personally met at Spring Art Walk and it's incredible to see and realize how much wonderful talent comes and grows from right here in our swamp,' she said with a laugh. 'We feel so honored to be able to highlight our local artists and create an opportunity for them to be able to sell their wares and help supplement what it takes to create these wonderful pieces.'
