Baton Rouge Gallery - center for contemporary art

Congrats and kudos to BRG Development Director Gwen Palagi on graduating from Leadership Baton Rouge tonight with the rest of the Class of 2024! Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni

While we install our next exhibition this weekend, we’re still riding high from last Friday’s KINETICS, presented by Hancock Whitney! We want to again thank all the artists, attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who helped the big night raise over $116,000 (a new record) to support the mission of connecting artists and audiences!! It was an incredible night with music, drinks, bites, laughs, and of course ART! For more than 55 years, BRG has been able to bring Baton Rouge and local living artists together because our community shows up and invests in how art makes our city better. KINETICS is just the latest example. Thank you, Baton Rouge! Images courtesy of the incomparable Heather McClelland

We’re proud to finally announce the newest additions to BRG’s Artist Member roster!! This year we welcome Jill Stoll, Edgar Cano Lopez, and Scott Andresen! These three Louisiana-based artists will join more than 70 others who share their work with audiences at BRG and help drive the artistic direction of the organization. You can learn more about these three and all of BRG’s incredible Artist Members at https://lnkd.in/gNqgtfEv. Stay tuned for debut exhibitions from our newest members beginning in 2025.

?? Thank you to everyone who came out last night to be a part of an unforgettable, record-breaking, good-doing KINETICS, presented by Hancock Whitney! ?? Baton Rouge’s premier live art auction showcased over 30 incredible pieces from BRG Artist Members that all found lovely new homes! ??? All the proceeds will go directly to the featured artists and to support BRG’s exhibitions and programming for the coming year! ?? Thank you to Blend Baton Rouge, Hayride Scandal: Whisk-e-y & Craft Cocktails, and Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine for the delicious sips during "The Art of the Cocktail.” ?? Thank you to Soji Modern Asian for supplying last night’s tasty bites! ?? J. Dorcas Brandon, M. Ed. Thank you to everyone who was a part of an amazing night of art and for art in support of creativity and community! More pics and video to come!

BIG NEWS! Earlier today the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference (which encompasses a 12-state region) recognized last summer’s “And We Went: 60 Years After the Baton Rouge Swim-In” with a Gold Award (First Place) for exhibitions! The show, which was a joint partnership between Baton Rouge Gallery, Dialogue on Race Louisiana, and BREC (as well as many more supporting and programmatic partners), was curated by Jonell Logan and sought to shed light on the often overlooked story of the Swim-In, the contemporary legacy of segregated swimming, and grapple with a site-specific history that also played out across our nation in the 1960s. Our infinite thanks to all the artists, sponsors, storytellers, partners, activists, and volunteers who made this show so impactful. It was an honor for us to host the exhibition, to – in concert with our partners - bring its companion programming to life, and to celebrate those who stood up to the unjust practices of the day. Special thanks to Debra George, who was part of the Swim-In as an 11 year-old girl and was absolutely integral to the planning and success of “And We Went.” It was truly special to have her join us today to accept the award and share in this special moment with us and our partners. To learn more about “And We Went: 60 Years After the Baton Rouge Swim-In,” please visit https://lnkd.in/grMzPr3y.

BRG’s team really enjoyed Day 1 of the Southeastern Museums Conference (here in Baton Rouge this year!). Our CEO, Jason Andreasen, had the honor of sitting on the morning’s plenary session with Brandon Lewis, Miranda Restovich of Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Luke St. John of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, and Morgan Udoh of The Walls Project. Looking forward to Days 2 & 3! Southeastern Museums Conference #semc2024

Get your tickets NOW for KINETICS, BR’s Premier Live Art Auction (presented by Hancock Whitney) happening in November 8! Be a part of a night that makes it possible for artists and audiences to connect at BRG year round!! Tickets are just $60 ($50 for BRG members). ??? 30+ original works up for bid, all opening at $100 ??? Emcee Mary Stein of EBRP Library ?? Auctioneer extraordinaire Brian Fourroux ?? Amazing bites from Soji: Modern Asian ?? “Art of the Cocktail” before the auction with Blend, Mestizo, Hayride Scandal, and Soji And more!! More details and tickets at https://lnkd.in/ewHEmG2

We're so excited to say that Hannah Dees has, as of today, joined our team as BRG's new Events & Sponsorships Manager! With nearly 15 years of experience in hospitality, Hannah has dedicated her career to serving the Baton Rouge community. Her deep connection to the area stems from her extensive work with small, locally-owned businesses and restaurants. This experience fuels her drive to cultivate meaningful relationships and create memorable, positive experiences. As a devoted advocate for community and connection, she eagerly anticipates every opportunity to facilitate these aspirations for all who collaborate with BRG. Whether you're interested in hosting a private event at BRG or volunteering to lend a hand connecting artists and audiences, she's ready to help!

Absolutely enjoyed the chance to sit in conversation with Maxine Crump, Malaika Favorite, and Gerri Hobdy at this year’s Louisiana Arts Summit (presented by Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge). It was a pleasure to look back at last summer’s “And We Went: 60 Years After the Baton Rouge Swim-In” as a cross-sector collaboration case study. Specifically, we tried to speak to the planning and development of the exhibition & programming and highlight the efforts to have those with the story be the ones to tell the story as much (and as early in the process) as possible. Baton Rouge Gallery - center for contemporary art Dialogue on Race Louisiana BREC

ICYMI: We're #hiring! BRG is looking for its next Events & Sponsorships Manager (a full-time position) to ensure the successful execution of BRG’s programmatic events, private rentals, and to aid in cultivating corporate sponsorships. This position helps drive BRG's mission - connecting artists & audiences - by helping to foster a welcoming environment for all and by building relationships with partners for events/programs. Interested? Know someone who might be? More information can be found at https://lnkd.in/gaAj7EKG.