Copyright American Press
The Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center unveil a permanent display showcasing exhibits that have been hosted over the past 20 years from 6-9 p.m. Friday. The evening will celebrate the anniversary of the first exhibit opening at the center. More than 275 exhibits have rolled through the building since 2005 and more than half that have come through will be presented. “The center has changed in the amount that we’ve been producing,” said Kaleb Davis, exhibit specialist at The Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center. “We’ve steadily increased the number of programming events and exhibits that we do every single year, trying to bring more and more offerings to this community and expose the rich culture and arts economy that we have in this area.” The display will be permanent and will have additions as time goes on. Refreshments, including Champagne, will be available. Music will be performed by the Lake Charles Symphony. The first 100 guests will receive a commemorative 20-year anniversary mug. “It is truly just a celebration of what we’ve accomplished in the last 20 years,” said Payton Lundmark, director of cultural affairs. “It’s an intimate, casual evening to highlight most of the exhibits that we showcased here in the building. “The building hasn’t changed too much in the last 20 years at its core, providing exhibits and bringing in new nationally traveled exhibits from exhibit companies that go all over the nation and showcasing the immense talent from our local art community and by highlighting local artists.” Local art is always in the building. The Artisans’ Gallery, located on the first floor, exhibits twice a year and was the first exhibit in the building. “We’ve been pretty consistent,” Lundmark said. “It’s changed significantly just in its role of government operation to now but since it’s been the Arts and Cultural Center we’ve done similar things and just tried to change it up and increase the quantity and quality of what we’re doing, but at its core we’re providing free art and culture for the community.” All events are free. “The only thing we’ve charged for is our workshops series ,but we still offer occasional free workshops as well,” Lundmark said. One of the most famous exhibits was the Titanic in 2007 that took over the entire building. Lundmark said she would love to see another takeover event like this. “It was the largest exhibit we ever hosted here,” she said. Lundmark said displays are always being rotated. You will see something new every time you walk in. She said she hopes people will stop by and appreciate local art and what the community has to offer. “Historic City Hall has been deeply rooted in this community for much longer than 20 years, but now, more than ever, it’s important to come in and see and celebrate the local artist and culture and community that we try to celebrate and embody everyday,” Lundmark said. Davis and Lundmark attribute much of this building’s success to Carol Ann Gayle, exhibit and programming specialist. “She is the life of this building and has played a huge role in it,” Davis said. “To me this building is the perfect excuse to get out of the house,” Davis said. “You have no financial commitment to come here and you’ll always get to see something cool when you walk through. It’s a good local spot for people to enjoy.”
