McNeese State University Call for Artists

The McNeese State University department of visual arts has released a call for entries for its 2013 illustrated Popol Vuh exhibition.  

The Popol Vuh is a 16th Century highland Guatemala account of creation mythology composed by the K'iche' Maya.  The book contains some of the richest mythological stories found anywhere in the world.  These stories, much like other mythologies, describe the actions of the deities and heroes responsible for the creation of the cosmos and of human beings.

This exhibition seeks to illustrate this incredible collection of myths by enlisting contemporary artists to create works in any media that illustrate, either literally or conceptually, some aspect of the stories whether a character, event, place, or theme.  The works will be displayed in a narrative fashion, wrapping around the gallery space, in an attempt to convey the story visually.

The deadline for submissions is September 6, 2013.  There is no entry fee, and artists may submit no more than three entries.  Each entry must be individually labeled with artists name, title, primary medium, presentation size, year completed and price.  Electronic entries can be made via email to popolvuh@mcneese.edu in either JPEG, TIFF, or PDF format with file sizes for each image not exceeding 4 MB.  Entries on compact disc should be sent with a completed and signed entry form via postal carrier directly to 4205 Ryan Street, Abercrombie Gallery, Shearman Fine Arts Center room 125, Lake Charles, LA 70609.

For more information contact 337-562-4257.

LOS ANGELES WRITER MARK LANDRY RETURNS TO LAKE CHARLES TO PROMOTE NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL

Lake Charles native and Los Angeles professional screenwriter and producer Mark Landry will return to his hometown on Friday, May 24, to sign free posters of his new graphic novel Bloodthirsty from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Paper Heroes, located at 3941 Ryan St. in Lake Charles. The graphic novel promises to immerse fans in multi-layered, intense storylines that give a post-Katrina New Orleans its own homegrown hero.

A Louisiana State University graduate, Landry moved to Los Angeles to earn a degree from University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He has worked for Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, and the Disney Channel, among others. Landry co-wrote Teen Beach Movie, which will premiere this July on the Disney Channel. He is the son of Thomas and Susan Landry of Lake Charles.

The Bloodthirsty saga follows Virgil LaFleur, a Cajun/Creole Coast Guard veteran discharged with post-traumatic stress syndrome after Hurricane Katrina. With his parents gone and despite saving dozens of lives, Virgil has grown bitter and depressed in the wake of the storm. The story begins as he plans to leave New Orleans forever; however, Virgil’s younger brother’s mysterious murder sucks Virgil back into a vortex of intrigue, corruption, and revenue as he becomes obsessed with bringing the killers to justice.

“This novel is meant to not only entertain but to impact readers as well,” said Landry. “Beyond the barbed wit and gritty violence, serious questions about class, economics, and political power in Louisiana are raised.”

Along the way, Virgil uncovers a ring of corrupt disaster capitalists led by local biotech mogul Simon Wolfinger. He and his followers share a common trait—extreme longevity—provided by a very expensive injection. The one atrocious side effect of this “treatment” is a perpetual dependence on the consumption of human blood. 

Virgil discovers that these “hemovores” have been feeding off of the blood of New Orleans’ poor and homeless citizens. Now with a new storm coming—Hurricane Rose—Virgil must choose to either evacuate New Orleans forever or stay and become the hero that the city so desperately needs.

“What’s different about this superhero is that Virgil doesn’t set out to rescue or inspire anyone. He’s only motivated by revenge,” explained Landry. “But an unintended consequence is that along the way he becomes a symbol of hope, not only for the citizens of New Orleans but for himself. If even one person is inspired by Virgil’s journey to regain hope, then this story will be successful.”

Comic veteran Georges Jeanty, best known for his work on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, was glad to lend industry expertise to Landry on his project. “I had been a fan of his miniseries, The American Way,” said Landry. “When I found out that Georges lived nearby, I reached out to him and pitched him the story for ‘One Nation Under Water.’ Luckily, he totally dug it.  He has been an invaluable resource and an endless fount of knowledge and encouragement ever since.”

Anne Rice collaborator Ashley Marie Witter, artist of the hit Interview with the Vampire graphic novel, illustrates the book.

Landry admits he spent numerous afternoons as a child in Paper Heroes in Lake Charles. He says that is where his love for film and comic books began, which is why he has chosen to stage a poster signing there for his new graphic novel series on Friday. Landry is excited to share the story with his hometown. Free posters will be given away while supplies last.

“There's always some kind of guilt about leaving one's place of birth,” Landry says. “In some way, I think this story is a way of correcting things in my soul, even if those corrections are fictional. At least I'm saying, 'Here is one man who is going to stay and help and inspire hope. He isn't me, but he's better than me.'”

Bloodthirsty is now available for pre-order. Visit www.bloodthirstycomic.com to help support Landry’s project and ensure its successful launch. Contact Matt Young at 337-478-7396 for more information.

Children's Museum Summer Activities

Each weekday the Children's Museum has a special activity to offer this summer, the following activities are scheduled for the month of June. 

Creative Monday, June 3: Beading

Join The Children's Museum for a Beading Workshop. Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Crafty Tuesday, June 4: Medieval Shields

Paint your own medieval shield. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Fruity Wednesday, June 5: Pineapples

Pineapples will be served from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. while supplies last.

Amazing Thursday, June 6: Tae Kwon Do

Master Carla Prejean and her Black Belt Academy, Karate for Kids, will give a tae kwon do demonstration at 11 a.m.

Fun Friday, June 7: Spirograph

From 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., come and play with this classic geometric drawing toy that produces mathematical roulette curves developed by British engineer Denys Fisher first sold in 1965.

Saturday, June 8: Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show

At 11 a.m., Sasol employees will present “Liquid Nitrogen Isn’t Just Cool … It’s Freezing!” Pressure demonstrations include a mini rocket using capped film canisters and a vacuum in flask that “sucks in” a hard boiled egg!

Creative Monday, June 10: Journals

Bind and decorate your own journal. Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Crafty Tuesday, June 11: African Masks 

Paint your own African mask. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Cool Wednesday, June 12: Ice Cream

Popsicles will be served from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. while supplies last.

Amazing Thursday, June 13: The Nature Gang 

Meet our new baby iguana, “Iggy III,” at 11 a.m. Our Director, Dan Ellender, will let you pet our cockatiels “Lola” and “Maya” as well as learn all about their habitats and diets. We will also feed the fish and crabs.

Fun Friday, June 14: Playdough

Join The Children's Museum anytime between 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the ArtSpace!

Creative Monday, June 17: Beading

Join The Children's Museum for a Beading Workshop. Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Crafty Tuesday, June 18: Rain Sticks

Make your own rain stick with animal shape stickers. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Cool Wednesday, June 19: Popsicles

Popsicles will be served from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. while supplies last.

Amazing Thursday, June 20: “Amos the Artistic Alligator”

Join local author and publisher, Tommie Townsley, for a reading of her book “Amos the Artistic Alligator,” at 11 a.m.

Fun Friday, June 21: Swirl’n Spin Art 

Join The Children's Museum anytime between 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the ArtSpace and experiment with exciting designs using our Swirl’n Spin art machine!

Creative Monday, June 24: Gyotaku Fish Prints

Experiment with this Japanese technique of printing fish. Classes begin at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Crafty Tuesday, June 25: Paper Fans or Knight Shield

Paint your own knight armor or fan. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Fruity Wednesday, June 26: Grapes

Grapes will be served from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. while supplies last.

Amazing Thursday, June 27: Lowe’s Workshop for Kids

Join The Children's Museum at 11 a.m. for this workshop. Class is limited to 25 children.

Fun Friday, June 28: Paper Snakes

Make a paper snake anytime between 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the ArtSpace.

All Creative Monday and Crafty Tuesday Workshops are limited to 20 children per class. Please sign up in the office when you arrive the day of the event.

The Children's Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. Call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for a complete list of admission fees, memberships and birthday party information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

"Dancin' in the Moonlight"

The Westlake High School Band Boosters will sponsor "Dancin' In The Moonlight" to be held Friday, May 24 2013 at the Ballroom of the Charleston Hotel on the corner of Pujo and Ryan Streets. 

The event is open to the public ages 18 and up, and will feature live music by Soul Vacation featuring Jessica Minton.  Complimentary hors d'ourves by Pujo Street Cafe will be available, as well as a cash bar.  Tickets for "Dancin' In The Moonlight" are $20 per person and all proceeds benefit the Westlake High School Band Department.  Tickets are available at Westlake High School and Pujo Street Cafe.  For more information, please call Jay Ecker at 337-853-8800 or Michelle Dronett at 337-513-1495.