‘But Not Forgotten’

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, 204 W. Sallier St., will be opening two more exhibits during the 2023 fall season.

The first of these will be a “compelling historical exhibition delving into the narratives of Southern Louisiana cemeteries and their eternal inhabitants,” said Ashley Royer, ICM creative coordinator.

“But Not Forgotten” opens Thursday, Oct. 5, and provides immersive storytelling experiences of SWLA legacies and their life achievements through short-stories and photography by local author Jason Reeser.

Key figures featured in the exhibit include Judge Norma Holloway Johnson, Matilda Geddings Gray, Maude Reid, and Dr. D. S. Perkins.

Commentary about the importance of cemetery preservation from Reeser will also be featured.

“From repeated natural disasters and from neglect and time, a lot of our older graveyards are in terrible shape: broken or missing headstones, cracked and crumbling vaults, and completely overgrown,” said Royer.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 5, Imperial Calcasieu Museum will host an opening reception. that is free and open to the public.

The exhibition will be available for viewing until Dec. 16.

‘Lyd Walls’

Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s final exhibition of the year, “Lyd Walls” opens Oct. 27.

This is the latest exhibition from Lyd Walls, a local artist who works with a range of artistic mediums. The pieces in “Lyd Walls” were created with acrylics and mixed media, and offer insight into Walls’ artistic and personal evolution.

She said that as a self-taught abstract artist, she finds inspiration in “the bare human form, symbolizing vulnerability and raw emotion,” as well as the aesthetic and spirit of nature itself.

“Through my expression, I strive to encourage the viewer to reflect on their own intuitive expressions and personal narratives inviting them to embrace vulnerability for themselves. My goal is to create an authentic and transformative experience, where art becomes a conduit for emotional exploration and self-discovery.”

An opening reception will be hosted for this exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. on opening day, Oct. 27. This reception will also be free and open to the public.