Current Exhibits

Centered Around Culture: Quilts by Cely Pedescleaux Banner

Centered Around Culture: Quilts of Cely Pedescleaux  (March - May 2021)

The story quilts of New Orleans artist Cely Pedescleaux will be featured at the West Baton Rouge Museum in the spring of 2021. Cely was inspired at an early age by family members who were seamstresses. Her colorful multi-layered quilts reflect various styles of crocheting, beading, and tatting that she learned from these women. Her contemporary quilts have been displayed in France, Italy, and China as well as museums and cultural centers around Louisiana. The exhibit runs from March 6 to May 30.

Wandering Spirit Banner

Wandering Spirit: African Wax Prints (March - May 2021)

This exhibition is a tribute to the century-old handmade designs and patterns on textiles that originated in Indonesia and were copied and industrialized by Europeans and exported to Africa. The history of the African wax print is a history paved along colonial trade routes and globalization in the post- colonial era. Though not originally African, these textiles have become ingrained in African culture and society, and loved and identified as their own. Clothing in Africa serves as an important means of communication, as well as depicting a person’s social status and position, political convictions, ambition, marital status, ethnicity, age, sex, and group affiliations. The names and stories associated with the fabrics differ from country to country and region to region. Wandering Spirit: African Wax Prints is curated by Dr. Gifty Benson and organized by ExhibitsUSA/Mid-America Arts Alliance, Kansas City, MO. The exhibit opens at the West Baton Rouge Museum on March 20th and runs through May 2nd.

Traveling Exhibits

Past exhibits are available to community organizations such as schools, churches, and libraries upon availability. Contact the museum at 225-336-2422 for more information.