Calling All Artists

By Mia Freneaux

3 years ago this month a handful of Central artists met together and decided to form a group that would support each other and encourage the visual arts in the community.  To that end, the Art League of Central was formed and is presently almost 40 members strong, 22 of which are active participants.  The League meets every 2^nd Monday of the month at the Joor Branch of the Public Library at 6:00 to critique each other’s work and plan upcoming events.  The group has been extremely busy, each month bringing a new activity.  They have participated in paint outs at the Prays’ home on Greenwell Springs Rd and in St. Francisville, they have had booths at the Central Christmas Parade, they have done an Art Walk and had exhibits at the library, at jazz picnics at Magnolia Square, and at the Baton Rouge General Hospital Mid-City.  Gallery hopping in locales such as Covington and attending art exhibits are other favorite activities.  This month they went to Cabela’s in Gonzales and painted in their exhibit room.  They are planning another Art Walk in October, where original art is for sale for under $100.00 (just in time for Christmas!), and are getting ready for their part in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  This year, 5 original paintings will be raffled off in support of the Relay.  Look for League members selling raffle tickets at local stores, each ticket is only $1.00 and could win you an original work of fine art!  The League is presently developing their own website, which would showcase members’ work, and establishing ways to encourage up and coming young artists.  Membership is only $20.00 a year and is open to anyone 18 and older.  We welcome all skill levels, whether hobbyist or working artist.  Please note that September’s meeting will be on the second Thursday at 6:30 due to a scheduling conflict.  This applies to September ONLY.  If you’d like more information, please call 413-2162 – we’d love to hear from you!

Pictured here are members of the Art Leage at their paint out at Cabela's.