Murals of Lake Charles
Modestly sized Lake Charles has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene that's evident in a delightful array of brightly colored murals on the walls of several buildings downtown. A pleasant stroll around town will reveal the history of Lake Charles, a "Tree of Life," the Roman god of wine, and Jimi Hendrix, guitar god, among other scenes. Visit the nearby town of Sulphur to see several more.
Downtown Lake Charles, Ryan and Broad Streets, and also in Sulphur, 10 miles due east on I-10, 337-491-9147, www.visitlakecharles.org
New Orleans Museum of Art
One of the things easy to love in the Big Easy is NOMA, the New Orleans Museum of Art. NOMA is home to almost 40,000 pieces of art. The Lupin Foundation Decorative Arts Galleries on the second floor are offering a series of revolving exhibitions throughout the remainder of this year and 2018. And NOMA has exceptional holdings of African and French art and a superb Arts of the Americas collection. As Pablo Picasso memorably put it: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” NOMA offers a refreshing, soul-cleansing experience. 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, New Orleans, 504-658-4100, noma.org, @NOMA1910
Shaw Center for the Arts
The Shaw Center for the Arts in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge is home to 325-seat Manship Theatre, Hartley/Vey Studio and Workshop Theatres, LSU Museum of Art, LSU School of Art Glassell Gallery, three upscale restaurants and a dandy coffee shop. The LSU Museum of Art has one of the largest university-affiliated art collections in the South and the Manship Theatre is scheduled to present before the new year the likes of Amos Lee, Justin Townes Earle and Cool Winter Nights & Hot Jazz. 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, 225-346-5001, www.shawcenter.org
About the Author
