October 05, 2009

Looking for something fun...head to Monroe-West Monroe


Hoe culture in the South, farm hand near Birmingham, AL, June 1936, Vintage silver print; Dorothea Lange

Artists of the Great Depression, now through November 7 at Masur Museum of Art, Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Exhibition includes Depression era artists. View paintings, prints and photographs. Includes artists Thomas Hart Benton, Dorothea Lange, John McCrady and many others. 318-329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org
Other events at Masur Museum

Brown Bag Concert Series with Doug Duffey, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. at the Anna Gray Noe Park, 251 Oak Street, Monroe. Enjoy a free concert every Wednesday in October sponsored by Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Bring a sack lunch and some friends. Some seating is provided; picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. 318-396-9520

Community Days: Woods, Woodworking, & Tools, October 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Starr Homeplace Heritage and Creativity Cener in Oak Ridge. Starr Homeplace boosts seven museums along with a working quilting room, woodworking shop, blacksmith, and 50’s cottage. Great for a family outing! A program is provided along with the noon meal. $5 entry fee; $8 for community meal. Starr Homeplace Heritage & Creativity Center, LA 133/US 425, Oak Ridge 318-244-5700 or 318-651-8311

Louisiana Art & Folk Festival, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street in Columbia. Festival includes fine art exhibits and demonstrations, music, children's fun, arts and crafts, food and more. Cost is $3; children 3-12, $1, 318-649-0726

Children's Drop-In: Grown Your Own Greens, October 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe. Cost is $5. Learn how to grow your own vegetables! Handouts will be available with fun ideas focusing on gardening all year around. When the activity is finished, families are welcome to walk through ELsong Garden, tour the home, and enjoy a nickel Coca-Cola. 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

Walking Tour of the Henry Bry Historic District, October 10 at 2 p.m. Masur Museum of Art in Monroe. Cost is $25. The Cooley House Foundation will present a walking tour of the Henry Bry Historic District led by architect F. Lestar Martin. Today, the houses in this district represent 200 years of architectural styles. Space is limited. 318-329-2237

Solo Exhibition by Michael Stillion, October 11-November 24, Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free. ULM – Bry Art Gallery, Monroe 318-342-1414 or www.ulm.edu/vapa

Greg Biolchini Workshop, October 12-16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Kiroli Park Lodge, West Monroe.The gallery has scheduled internationally known artist, Greg Biolchini to instruct a pastel workshop. The focus is learning the specific approach to painting in pastel. Whether you are a beginner or accomplished artist, you will enjoy this one-on-one experience. Biolchini’s work is on his web site, www.biolchini.com. Class size is limited. Cost is $400. 318-322-2380 or www.orag.org

Col. John Reitzell Speaking at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, Monroe, October 13 at 6 p.m. Reitzell served 28 years in the Army and is in the 509th Parachute Infantry’s Hall of Fame. The public is encouraged to attend. 318-362-5540

Artist Talk with Doyle Jeter, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. Doyle Jeter is founder of Enoch’s Irish Pub, the Eye-20 Group, the 10/20/40 Group, and the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival. He has a master’s degree in printmaking from New Mexico Highlands University. His work can be found in private and public collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This event is Free. Masur Museum of Art, Lower River Gallery, Monroe 318-329-2237 or www.masurmuseum.org

Tales and Trails in , October 15, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe. Program is for children ages 3 to 5 years of age. The day includes a snack, story time and making crafts, as well as some outdoor activities. Tales and Trails is free but children must be registered to attend. Call 318-387-1114 to register.

Outdoor Concert: Strike up the Band, October 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens – Elsong Garden in Monroe. Corey Trahan with Tynan Davis and Cathy Venable will present a theatrically enhanced presentation of popular music from the 1929-39 era of American History. Gershwin’s Summertime, Porter’s It’s De’Lovely, showstoppers from Rodger’s Oklahoma, Kern’s Showboat and a patriotic tribute composed by Irving Berlin are a few of the selections that will be featured – all under the skies of ELsong Garden. The concert is $15. Call 318-387-5281 or visit www.bmuseum.org.

US Hwy 80 Sale, October 16-18, 8:00 a.m. daily. Bargain hunters and shopaholics, travel to one of the longest sales scattered over a three state area. Shop along historic Hwy 80. The sale covers 392 miles from Mesquite, Texas through Louisiana to Jackson, Mississippi. For more information visit www.easttexasguide.com.

3rd Annual Fall Fest & Antique Show, October 17, 9:00 a.m. Jena Fair Barn, Jena, Louisiana. A day of fun with tractor pulls and games for all ages. See antique tractors, cars and trucks. Admission is free. Enjoy live music and jam sessions. For more information call 318-992-2206

19th Annual St. Patrick’s Herbal Harvest, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 1712 Wellerman Road, West Monroe. Plants and herbs, original arts and crafts, jewelry, children's clothes and garden accessories. Sausage, soup and jellies also available. Free to attend. 318-396-1341.

Annual Fall Celebration at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe, October 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Fun for the entire family with outdoor activities including guided nature walks, face painting, live exhibits, and more. Free. 318-387-1114

Ouachita River Arts Gallery Exhibit, October 17-November 1, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens hosts works of art by the members of the Ouachita River Arts Gallery in the Fountain Room. This event is free. 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org

Container Gardens featuring Ashley Higginbotham, October 20 from 12:00–5:30 p.m.
Ashley Higginbotham offers tips on planting terrariums, Wardian cases and tabletop gardens. Seating is limited. Advance reservations may be made in the Museum Store with payment of $10. This event takes place in the Education Building of the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens in Monroe. 318-387-5281 or www.bmuseum.org.

The 5th Annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, October 20, 6:00 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center in West Monroe. This event is held to raise money and support for the March of Dimes. Their mission is to reduce birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. Area chefs offer samples of their signature dishes. The evening also features live and silent auctions of trips, dining experiences and other items. Cost is $75; Corporate Tables available for $500; West Monroe Convention Center, West Monroe 318-387-3650

“Cowboy-Up” Western Celebration, October 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the West Ouachita Senior Center, Monroe. Participation for seniors 60 years and older. Free to attend. 318-323-5700 or www.wmcd.org

Brown Bag Concert Series with Mairtin de Cogain, October 21 at 12:00 p.m. Visit Northeast Louisiana Arts Council's outdoor concert series at Anna Gray Noe Park, 251 Oak Street, Monroe. Bring a sack lunch, a blanket and friends and enjoy a free concert. 318-396-9520.

Earth Oven Demonstration at Poverty Point State Historic Site, October 24 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. A site ranger will be conducting demonstrations of this unique cooking method. $2; Children (12 and under) and Seniors (62 and older) Free. Poverty Point State Historic Site, Epps 318-926-5492 or 888-926-5492

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, October 24 & 25, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily at Ike Hamilton Expo Center, West Monroe. The festival honors the rich Celtic heritage of Northeast Louisiana. Performances from Grammy-nominated Trout Fishing in America and some of Ireland’s most famous bands. Fun for the entire family! www.nelacelticfest.net

Brown Bag Concert Series with Rod Payne and Lisa Spann, October 28 at 12:00 p.m. at Anna Gray Noe Park, 251 Oak Street, Monroe. Brought to you by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s outdoor concert series. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Bring your sack lunch and a bunch of friends. 318-396-9520

Bingo Bash, at the West Ouachita Senior Center, Monroe October 30 at 10:00 a.m. Participation for seniors 60 years and older. Free to attend. 318-323-5700 or www.wmcd.org

Wild Friday: Campfire Stories, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge–Amphitheater, Monroe. A tradition at Black Bayou Lake is sharing stories around the campfire. Come take part and bring the entire family. Cost is free. 318-387-1114

Boo at the Zoo, October 31 at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo,
Monroe. Costume contests, games and activities and candy! A day of family fun and games. Cost is $5. 318-329-2138 or www.monroezoo.com.

Faustwork Mask Theatre, October 31 from 3–5:00 p.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center, West Monroe. Robert Faust will appear with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra to create a unique synthesis of theatre, physical comedy, music, dance, and poetry. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment suitable for the entire family. Children are invited to come in costume. $15; $5 for students. 318-812-6761 or www.monroesymphonyorchestra.com


Source: Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau