2026 Residents
Meet the Artists of The Residency at the Museum: Cohort FOUR!
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is excited to welcome (from L to R) Nelly Rene Gonzalez Chan, Adrienne Romero, Jonathan Thomas, and Jeremy Price as the newest resident artists! From April to October 2026, they will develop new work, engage with the community, and enrich the cultural landscape of Southwest Louisiana.
Nelly Rene Gonzalez Chan is a bilingual graphic designer and painter whose work is deeply rooted in her Mayan heritage and cultural storytelling. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at McNeese State University, she blends fine art and design through a practice that explores identity, community, and the connection between people and nature. Her creative work has been exhibited in juried shows and museums across Louisiana and Texas, earning recognition such as an Honorable Mention at the Stark Museum. Alongside her artistic practice, Nelly brings professional experience in design, education, and translation, using her skills to support both creative projects and community engagement.
Jeremy Price is a multidisciplinary artist based in Southwest Louisiana whose work spans large-scale murals, historic preservation, and mixed media studio practice. As the owner and lead artist of Price Art Studio, he has played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of the region through public art installations, restorations, and community-driven projects. His work explores themes of resilience, identity, and the balance between permanence and impermanence in shared spaces. Recognized as Southwest Louisiana Artist of the Year and a multiple-time “Best Artist” award recipient, Price combines technical precision with a strong commitment to craftsmanship and cultural impact, creating work that is both visually striking and deeply rooted in place
Adrienne Romero is a ceramic artist and dedicated art educator based in Southwest Louisiana, known for her intricate, hand-crafted floral works that explore themes of beauty, resilience, and personal connection. A graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in art and certification in art education, she brings over a decade of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and high school levels, currently serving as an art teacher at Sulphur High School. Romero’s artistic practice centers on individually sculpted clay flowers, thoughtfully composed into functional and decorative pieces that challenge traditional display methods. Her work has been recognized in regional exhibitions, including earning Best in Show at the CPSB Art Specialist Exhibition, and reflects her passion for both creative expression and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Jonathan Thomas is a Lake Charles–based chairmaker, educator, and furniture artisan whose work blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design influence. Rooted in the greenwood tradition, he hand-harvests and shapes his own materials using time-honored tools and techniques, creating pieces that emphasize both structural integrity and the natural beauty of the wood. Drawing inspiration from modernist designers while honoring centuries-old practices, Thomas produces functional works that are both lightweight and durable. In addition to his craft, he brings over a decade of experience as a public school teacher, reflecting a deep commitment to storytelling, education, and sharing traditional skills with others. His work represents a thoughtful intersection of artistry, labor, and a passion for preserving and evolving the craft of chairmaking.
Thank you to our sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to our 2026 RATM Program sponsors, Payton Lundmark, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Lake Charles, and Lee Ann Stenvick, Executive Director of the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Their support and partnership are instrumental in making this program possible, helping to elevate artists and expand access to meaningful cultural experiences across our community.