The LSU College of Art and Design is debuting its summer art exhibition today in the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. Exhibition Gallery at the Shaw Center for the Arts.
This is the event’s 11th year of production, and with each year comes a new theme. The theme this time around is dream catching.
According to Native American legends, dream catchers were constructed with the intention of preventing negative dreams and enabling positive dreams for whomever sleeps with one above their head.
Approximately 50 different local artists interpreted this idea in unique ways. Many artists are University alums and faculty members.
The gallery boasts a myriad of media, from paintings to puzzles, and the works of art reveal the creativity of Baton Rouge residents. The dream-catching premise rendered literal interpretations, like devices adorned with net, nightmarish images and fantastical creatures.
Malia Krolak, director of the LSU School of Art Gallery, said she enjoys the exhibit because it brings artists together every year.
“Everyone leaves town during the summer,” she said. “The exhibit is like a family reunion for artists.”
David Contreras, LSU painting and drawing graduate student said it’s refreshing to see old friends during the dog days of summer and make new ones, with the annual summer exhibit provides that for the community.
Contreras said many working artists come from Baton Rouge, and this is the perfect opportunity for them to connect and network together.
Krolak said this year’s theme was inspired by her friend Ken Dixon, who has been hosting pow wows around the South. “Native American history is a central part of Louisiana history,” Krolak said. “I thought it would be something interesting to celebrate.”
The gallery invites visitors to have their own art displayed in a “dream cloud.” The public is encouraged to create their own dream drawings, with crayons and paper provided by the gallery. These works will be presented alongside the other pieces for the duration of the exhibit.
The Dream Catching: 11th Annual Summer Invitational Art Exhibition opens today and will run until August 3. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays and is free to the public.
 
____ Contact Taylor Schoen at [email protected]