Workshops

Tatting

West Baton Rouge Museum will host a series of tatting workshops led by Louisiana artist, Christy Benoit Castille. Tatting is a timeless handwork which dates back to the 1700’s and can be found throughout Europe. Tatting is used with a double thread to create double knots.

Christy Benoit Castille is a member of many craft guilds such as Tatters Across Time, the Louisiana Crafts Guild, and the International Organization of Lace. She first became interested in tatting after seeing her great grandmother’s tatting shuttle and handwork. It has been her mission ever since not only to learn the craft but also to pass on the skill set and beautiful history of this traditional art form.

Shuttle and Needle Tatting

Date: September 12th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $30

The skills covered during this two-hour workshop will allow the participant to review all skills learned during the previous workshop series. Double Stitch and Chains, Shuttle, and Needle Tatting skills must be mastered. Please note to wind Shuttle prior to class. Supplies participants will need to bring for this class include a tatting needle shuttle, thread (choice of size 10 or 20), picot gauge, scissors, and a small crochet hook. Upon completion, participants will have produced beautiful simple edging that can be used on heirloom clothing. Please note: Participants should not have dexterity (arthritis or joint) problems with their fingers and Double Stitch must be mastered. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required by contacting the Museum. The cost is $30.

Children's Drawing and Painting with Ms. Shaun

Date: September 23rd, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: The Pilot Program is FREE

The Museum is pleased to introduce a new monthly children’s workshop designed for elementary and middle school students. The series, Children’s Drawing and Painting with Ms. Shaun will be offered from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.

Shauna Landry is a Louisiana native who has over eight years of experience working with children in art. From painting and drawing to instructing young minds how to break complex objects into foundational images, Shauna is excited to develop children’s artistic skills. Shauna received an associate degree from New Mexico State University in Early Childhood Education and formal art instruction from the AHH Ha School of Arts in Colorado and the Young Rembrandts Program. She is currently teaching art at Impact Charter School in Baker while pursuing a bachelor’s degree online from Arizona State University.

This new monthly workshop will be held on the fourth Saturday of each month and the pilot program is offered FREE of charge. All art supplies are provided but space is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, please contact the Museum.

Exploration in Genealogy

This series is hosted by the West Baton Rouge Genealogical Society, spearheaded by West Baton Rouge Historical Association board member, Debbie Doiron Martin, and sponsored by the West Baton Rouge Museum.

Fragile Grounds: Louisiana's Endangered Cemeteries

Date: October 7th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Please Note: The October Genealogy Workshop will be held at West Baton Rouge Library.

Jessica H. Schexnayder is a Louisiana native passionate about documenting the people, history, and culture of south Louisiana. Her writing and photography have been featured by the Louisiana State Archives, Louisiana Cultural Vistas, Country Roads, Heart of Louisiana, and Inside New Orleans. Mary H. Manhein is author of The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist; Trail of Bones: More Cases from the Files of a Forensic Anthropologist; Bone Remains: Cold Cases in Forensic Anthropology; and the mystery novel Floating Souls: The Canal Murders. She is retired director of the Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory at Louisiana State University.

This workshop is FREE, open to the public, and no registration is required.

Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing Basics

Date: Scheduled Upon Request
Time:Scheduled Upon Request
Cost: $200
Location: Museum Barn

The West Baton Rouge Museum is home to a thriving Blacksmith Apprenticeship program. Classes are taught by Artist in Residence and professional blacksmith, Gary Hart and other special guests. The tuition for this course is $200 which includes supplies, a copy of the classic blacksmithing book The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex Bealer, and completed projects. Blacksmithing basics and blacksmithing ornamental skills will be taught. Participants will leave with basic blacksmithing knowledge and skill that can be built upon. Class sizes will be limited and will be offered on weekdays or weekends to accommodate participants’ schedules. Upon completion of the program, participants interested in continuing to hone their craft will be eligible to conduct demonstrations at the West Baton Rouge Museum by becoming blacksmithing volunteers.

Forging On

Date: Scheduled Upon Request
Time:Scheduled Upon Request
Cost: To Be Determined
Location: Museum Barn

The West Baton Rouge Museum will soon be adding a series of sessions covering more specialized blacksmithing techniques. This advanced program is designed for those who have completed Blacksmithing Basics and wish to build upon their skills. Fees will apply.

Basic Woodworking

The Museum is pleased to work with skilled artisan, Terry Landry, to present a series of wood working workshops inside the museum’s barn. Advanced, paid reservations are required due to class size limits. To register, please call the Museum.

Dates: October 21st and 28th or November 11th and 18th
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $150
Location: Museum Barn

Basic Woodworking: Build a Tool Tote is a two part session that will be held Saturday, October 21st and 28th or November 11th and 18th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants in this class will each build their own tool tote using saws, chisels, brace, marking gauge and hand planes. You will learn to mark and cut dovetails and dados to build the tote. The includes cost of materials. Although they are provided, those who have their own chisels and dovetails saw may wish to bring those as well. This class is limited to a maximum of four participants.