Indulge in an evening where fine dining and visual art come together in perfect harmony. Culinary Canvas, presented by First Federal Bank of Louisiana, is a progressive dinner experience that invites guests to savor the flavors of Southwest Louisiana while immersing themselves in the creativity of its artists. Throughout the evening, guests will be transported into a Secret Garden inspired setting that celebrates the region’s lush natural beauty and vibrant creative spirit.

Your evening begins at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, where guests will enjoy thoughtfully prepared appetizers by Chef Gabrielle Wainwright of Bayou Boards by Gabrielle while exploring The Legacy of Enrique Alférez, an exhibition honoring the renowned Mexican sculptor whose work helped elevate the cultural landscape of New Orleans. Inspired by her deep love of family, Southern hospitality, and the memories created around food, Gabrielle’s garden-inspired charcuterie display will feature delicate salami roses blooming beside soft cheeses, fresh berries, edible flowers, and fragrant herbs, creating the feeling of wandering through a hidden garden path where every bite feels like a secret worth sharing. Welcoming guests into the evening will be Residency at the Museum artist Adrienne Romero, whose sculpted clay roses will transform the entrance into an artistic garden inspired by beauty, resilience, and the natural world. Surrounded by art and atmosphere inspired by hidden gardens in bloom, this opening experience sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.

From there, guests will be transported to the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center for an elegant dinner experience. Guests will have the opportunity to explore a solo exhibition by Residency at the Museum Cohort Three artist Dominique Espree, featuring striking large scale painted portraits that capture emotion, identity, and community, while fellow Residency at the Museum artists Jeremy Price and Nelly Rene Gonzalez Chan combine their creative practices to bring an immersive artistic element to life for the evening. Dinner will take place in the third-floor gallery surrounded by the SWLA Music Exhibit, where each course is thoughtfully paired with artistic expression in a setting that reflects both refinement and the richness of local culture. The evening’s entrée will be prepared by Chef Joanne Devito of Bodega, featuring elegant lamb lollipops accompanied by creamy risotto, seasonal asparagus, a carefully composed glaze, and delicate edible florals, creating a dish that is as visually stunning as it is flavorful.

The evening concludes at the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, where guests will gather beneath the evening sky for a decadent dessert course and a final moment of celebration inspired by hidden gardens and creative discovery. Set on the front lawn, home to the Residency at the Museum studio space, this final destination invites guests to slow down and enjoy an atmosphere of artistry, conversation, and connection. Throughout the evening’s finale, guests will experience the work of Residency at the Museum artist Jonathan Thomas, whose practice blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, alongside live musical performances by Amie, Amigo featuring Dominique Darbonne and Andres Nava, whose music provides the perfect soundtrack for the evening’s closing moments. Dessert will be prepared by Pastry Chef Kyle Scott, featuring homemade pies crafted from cherished family recipes inherited from his grandmother, offering guests a nostalgic and heartfelt finish to an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and cuisine.

Three beautiful venues, inspired chefs, visionary artists, and one unforgettable evening celebrating the connection between food, art, and community.

Thursday, May 28 | 6–9 PM
Tickets: $125

Special Thanks to our event sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: First Federal Bank of Louisiana
Epicurean Sponsor: The Lake Charles Symphony
Transportation Sponsor: Hotard Coaches of Lake Charles

One ticket covers the cost of three courses, a wine pairing for the first two courses, and transportation to the other venues of the night.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center

Central School Arts and Humanities Center

Transportation: Transportation will be provided for this event. Parking will be at Imperial Calcasieu Museum.

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