The LSU Museum of Art is regularly home to a collection of avante-garde artworks, but Sunday it may have hosted its most unconventional exhibit yet.
Two African spurred tortoises, an African parrot, an African goose, a Columbian red tailed boa constrictor and some silkie chickens all lined up to greet attendees courtesy of exotic pet handler Pharoah Johnson III and his family, with the mission of educating adults and children alike on his animals by allowing close-up interaction with each one.
“I’ve always owned animals since I was a little kid,” Johnson said, explaining how in his youth he cared for various different animals such as non-poisonous snakes. In 1992 he joined the Marine Corps and through his travels was able to get more involved with exotic pets. Today Johnson also owns “Glory Birds,” a white dove release in Baton Rouge.
As Johnson showcased each animal he explained their origin and different unique facts about each of his pets while allowing anyone to come up and touch or pet them, though only the kids dared get up close with the boa constrictor.
The reason for the unusual exhibit is to give the community more opportunities to engage with the museum, made easier by the fact that attendance on Sunday was free, part of the Art Bridges Foundation “Access for All” grant which allows free entry to the LSU Museum of Art the first Sunday of every month for the next three years.
According to the Art Bridges Foundation website, “Access for All embodies Art Bridges core values by helping museums build relationships with new audiences, engage current audiences in new ways, and emphasize interdisciplinary programming.” The LSU Museum of Art is one of 64 museums part of the $40 million program providing once monthly admission.
“A part of that grant is bringing in different events, whether it be animal shows, puppet shows, improv groups, comedy shows, singles, things of that nature every first Sunday of the month to go along with the exhibition and engage the community and get them in the museum,” said Educator and Public Programs Manager Brandon Lewis. “This is a way to make sure that everybody from nine months to 99 has a good time.”
Museums are often an enjoyable and entertaining experience for adults, but young kids might not be so interested. By hosting different events the museum tries to bring in something entertaining for all ages during the first Sunday of every month.
“In the future we’re even going to begin offering some transportation opportunities for people from community centers around the city to come here,” said Executive Director Mark Tullos. “We’ll have refreshments and food in the future. We’re just getting it started but we’re looking forward to a real Impactful program.”
Tullos hopes that the three year grant will bring more support and interest to the LSU Museum of Art as it gets more families involved with the museum. Transportation from community centers to the museum is expected to start this summer.
Aside from all access days the museum entry fee is $5.50 or free if you are a student at LSU. Frequent visitors can also purchase different memberships ranging from $25 to $5,000 that all grant unlimited access to the museum as well as other perks.
The museum’s next event will be the hosting of renowned artist Andy Warhol’s work on Jan. 11 alongside similar artists.
