How Laurel is Celebrating the Arts In April

While Laurel is notorious for its art scene yearround, there's an influx of activities to celebrate in April, the official month of arts, culture and creativity. Laurel is home to Lauren Rogers Museum, Mississippi's first museum, and their excellent staff is excited to invite children and families to learn about artists, technique and even help them to create some of their own masterpieces. Here's some events to look forward to this month!

 

April 12 — Youth Class: Discover Drawing | 4 weeks beginning April 12

This class will take students to the next level of artistic study. Young artists will work in black, white, color and mixed media to learn more about the art of drawing. Whether creating scenes from their imagination or recording sites from in and around the Museum, students will explore advanced concepts such as perspective and shading. By the end of the series, young artists will have a portfolio highlighting their new skills. This class will be held every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00pm on April 12, 19, 26, and May 3rd. All supplies will be provided!

Museum Annex Studio
Ages: 10-14
$50 members / $60 non-members


 

April 14 — arTalk | Richard Cooper

Richard Cooper, a local Laurel artist, will be sharing The Seven Things All Paintings Are Made Of. In his 40 years experience of trying to make paint behave, Cooper has learned quite a few valuable lessons. His art has been seen and enjoyed by millions around the world. As a lifelong visual eavesdropper, he creates pieces that have a narrative and a broad appeal.

Richard has recently put down roots here in Laurel. He is eager to paint with or just hang out talking art with new friends.

Learn More

April 21 — arTalk | Gary Bachman

Gary will be discussing Southern Gardening All Year Long, and his approach to  southern landscapes from a different perspective. Instead of encyclopedic lists and articles focused on botanical gardens or someone else’s landscape, Bachman connects with his audience through personal stories that share his expertise gained over decades of planting in this easily digestible format. Join arTalk as the author recounts tales about his own personal gardens – plants that have thrived and failed – and presents his advice in a common-sense style.

Book signing to follow lecture. Southern Gardening All Year Long will be available for purchase for $25.00 from the Museum Shop.

 

April 22 & 23 — En Plein Air

Spend a weekend in Laurel and paint the town! Join likeminded artists of all levels and experiences while painting small town scenes across Downtown. Organized by Pinehurst Rathskeller, this event is highly anticipated event for artists all across the south. The best part is that the proceeds go directly to the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter in Laurel. Every person who donates, participates in the event and/or volunteers makes a huge difference. 

To purchase apparel, register or learn more, visit www.paintinlaurel.com.

 

 

April 29 — Walking Tours

George Bassi, the Director of LRMA, will be leading walking tours through the historic district of Laurel every Friday in March and April, . George is a charismatic speaker and holds a wealth of knowledge about the birth and entrepreneurial beginnings of our city. It would be a delightful experience for locals and visitors alike! Tours begin at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art at 10:30am and last approximately one hour.

April 26-29 — Richard Cooper Workshop

Join Richard Cooper as he hosts a painting workshop in Downtown Laurel. Participants will paint and tour historic homes, work with models in period costumes, enjoy southern style lunch each day and a farewell dinner on the last evening! Learn more here.

Visit our full list of spring events  to learn more and reach out to our guest services team for any questions!