Branch Out Summer Art Exhibit Celebrates the Creativity of 192 Young Artists

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum invites the community to celebrate the creativity and imagination of Southwest Louisiana’s young artists during the opening reception of the Branch Out Summer Art Exhibit on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Museum’s Gibson-Barham Gallery.

The exhibit features artwork created by 192 student artists, ages 5 to 17, who participated in this year’s Branch Out Summer Art Camp. Throughout the summer, campers explored two exciting themes, “Blast from the Past” and “Masterpiece Mashup”, creating works inspired by history, pop culture, famous artists, and their own imaginations.
Students experimented with a wide variety of artistic mediums, including ceramics, acrylic painting, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal. During the camp’s Teen Studio Week, students expanded their artistic practice through pyrography, monotype and gelli-plate printmaking, and the Japanese fiber art of kinusaiga, gaining hands on experience with techniques rarely offered in traditional classroom settings.

“One of my favorite parts of planning this summer’s camp was building the Blast from the Past theme,” said Adrienne Romero, Branch Out Project Coordinator. “I’ve always loved Furbies, and that little bit of nostalgia sparked the idea of revisiting some of the unforgettable toys, trends, and memories many of us grew up with. It was so much fun watching the campers discover pieces of the past while putting their own creative spin on them. Seeing their excitement reminded me that creativity has a wonderful way of connecting generations.”

The opening reception is free and open to the community, offering visitors an opportunity to meet some of the young artists, celebrate their accomplishments, and experience the incredible talent developed throughout the six-week program.

Since 1999, Branch Out Summer Art Camp has provided meaningful arts education for children across Southwest Louisiana. More than just an art camp, the program integrates educational opportunities that encourage campers to explore history, culture, literacy, science, and creative problem solving through hands on artistic experiences.

Thanks to the generosity of the Museum’s sponsors and grant partners, more than 50 students received scholarships to attend Branch Out Summer Art Camp this year, helping ensure that children throughout Southwest Louisiana had access to high quality arts education regardless of financial circumstances.

“Our goal has always been to provide an enriching environment where children can discover new skills, express themselves creatively, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts,” said Ashley Royer, Creative Director at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. “Whether they’re sculpting with clay, experimenting with printmaking, or learning about artists and history through creative projects, we want every camper to leave inspired and confident in their own abilities.”

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum extends its sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors, grantors, and community partners whose continued support has made Branch Out Summer Art Camp a cornerstone of arts education in Southwest Louisiana for more than 25 years.

The Branch Out Summer Art Exhibit will remain on display until August 8. Visitors are encouraged to experience the colorful collection and celebrate the creativity of Southwest Louisiana’s youngest artists.

For more information, contact the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at (337) 439-3797 or visit the Museum’s website and social media channels.