LSU Museum of Art offers free programs for teens and adults
The LSU Museum of Art is opening its doors each month this fall for free, drop‑in art‑making sessions called Art Break, aimed at teens and adults. Curator Callie Smith emphasizes the relaxed atmosphere where participants can simply arrive, pick up supplies, and start creating.
Each session is tied to a work or artist featured in the Folk Art Gallery, which showcases self‑taught masters such as Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, David Butler, Sam Doyle, Purvis Young, and Mary T. Smith. The gallery opened recently and also includes pieces by Clementine Hunter from the museum’s own collection.
Themes rotate from “Art as an act of SPIRIT,” inspired by Purvis Young, to “Art as an act of FREEDOM” (David Butler) on Oct. 24, “Art as an act of IDENTITY” (Mose Tolliver) on Nov. 21, and “Art as an act of CARE” (Mary T. Smith) on Dec. 12. Participants shape cut‑out sculptures, collages, or textile works while live music provides a soundtrack.
Funding comes from an Art Bridges grant, and the museum supplies all materials. Docents will be on hand in the Folk Art Gallery during each program, and additional sessions are planned for the spring.