The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum—In the News

The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is frequently in the news. Our outstanding exhibits and programs make for good reading and viewing. See some of the recent news items on this page and see the news releases from the office of the Louisiana Secretary of State.

From The (Shreveport) Times, Aug. 8, 2011: Local artists to sign copies of books.

From The Forum, July 13, 2011:   "Remember When..." Exhibit to brings old Shreveport to life.

From The Forum, June 15, 2011:  "Fresco: Love of Italy draws artist to local museum."

YouTube video about the restoration of the Conrad Albrizio fresco at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

From thebestoftimesnews.com, March 19, 2011: "Limited edition signed and numbered posters are available for purchase" The text follows: Limited edition signed and numbered posters are available A limited edition of signed and numbered posters of Remember in Shreveport When-The Exhibit will be available for sale at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum beginning Monday, March 21, 2011. This colorful poster, suitable for framing, was designed by local graphicartist, Bill Johnson and is expected to sell out quickly. If you live outside the Shreveport area, the poster can be purchased for the cost of the poster plus $5 for shipping and handling via USPS. Date, Time and Location for Sale of Posters: Location: Louisiana State Exhibit Museum 3015 Greenwood Rd. Shreveport, LA 71109 Phone: 318-632-2020 *Dates: Every Monday from March 21-April 7, 2011 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Monday from April 18- May 26, 2011 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Price: $10 per poster Cash or checks made payable to Friends of LSEM accepted Beginning in early April 2011 credit and debit cards will be accepted. Proceeds from the sale of this poster will go to provide musical entertainment on Saturdays during the exhibition Remember in Shreveport When-The Exhibit, which is scheduled to run at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum from June 25, 2011, with an event that allows Shreveporters and former Shreveporters to bring in Shreveport memorabilia that they are willing to loan to the museum for the duration of this exhibit, thru August 13, 2011. The opening day of the exhibit will be July 2, 2011. Various activities are planned on Saturdays during this exhibit.

From the Secretary of State and the Friends of LSEM, March 10, 2011: Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Presents Tom Pressly Collection of Abstract Realism Paintings, April 3-June 17, 2011

Artist's paintings, mixed media exhibit opens today; Pat Sewell showcases mixed media art exhibit
From The (Shreveport) Times, Jan. 16, 2011, Maggie Martin feature:

From the Secretary of State, Jan. 14, 2011:  Discussion about LSEM in Shreveport

From the National World War II Museum, November 2010: LSEM is Regional Site for 2011 Louisiana History Day  

From The (Shreveport) Times, Nov. 16, 2010, Sherry Shephard article: "Soldier's Play" at LSEM Theater

From the LSU Ag Center, Nov. 2, 2010, news release, First Caddo Parish Bale of Cotton Auctioned at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum

From The (Shreveport) Times, Oct. 24, 2010, Jack Dillard column mentioning luncheon at LSEM: Junior Livestock Auction the place to be during the State Fair
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Oct. 19, 2010, feature Shreveport Treasures: Museums, Galleries Hold Unique Riches.

The portion of this article about LSEM follows: Autographing history The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum's "Autographing History" exhibit is a private collection of 54 original autographs of America's founding fathers, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Meyer Jr. "He started collecting when he was 13 years old and his grandfather gave him a letter and a check that was signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt," museum curator Nita Cole said. Other items on display include a full letter signed by George Washington and signatures by Abraham Lincoln, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Website: http://www.friendsoflsem.org/ Information: (318) 632-2020

 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Oct. 5, 2010, Sherry Shephard feature 'Portraits in Bronze and Fired Clay' to be on display at Exhibit Museum
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Sept. 29, 2010, State's coastal wetland issues explored
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Sept. 27, 2010, Coastal wetlands event slated Tuesday at state museum
 
From the Louisiana State Fair website, Sept. 22, 2010, World Champion Blacksmiths Regional Competition at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.
 
From The (Shreveport) Times "Briefly" column: "Family Fun Day Set for Saturday",
"The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club will hold a Family Fun Day from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport.
"The event features free games and door prizes.
"The Boys & Girls Club program in Queensborough is taking pre-registrations for the 2011 year. The club will request a $25 registration fee for the 2011 year. However, scholarships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
"The new Boys & Girls Club building will be completed in early 2011. The Salvation Army is still taking donations to help cover construction costs and continue the club operations. Call (318) 424-3200 or visit www.salvationarmyshreveport.org for more information or to donate." --Sept. 21, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times "Briefly" column: "Shreveport garden club to host wetland talk"
"The Conservation Committee of the Shreveport Garden Study Club is sponsoring a free public forum at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, 3015 Greenwood Road in Shreveport.
"Speakers at the event include King Milling, America's WETLAND Foundation chairman; Garrett Graves, director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority; and Robert Twilley, professor of oceanography at Louisiana State University.
"Admission is free, but reservations are requested. Call (318) 219-1888." --Sept. 19, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, "Briefly" column: "Extensions of Excellence seeks cast" "Extensions of Excellence Performing Arts is seeking three white men to portray characters in the upcoming production "Soldier's Play." Those cast in the roles must be high school age or older. The play will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-20 at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and will be directed by Vincent Williams. Rehearsals are 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday nights. To schedule an audition, call Williams at (318) 393-6259." --Sept. 18, 2010.
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Sherry Shephard's feature Festival to pay tribute to playwright Judi Ann Mason, Sept. 15, 2010.
 
News release from the Museum and the Louisiana Secretary of State: Shreveport Art Club Annual Member Show, Aug. 9, 2010.
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Maggie Martin's feature "Taking care of history: Museum's new boss steps into his post today," Aug. 2, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Jack Dillard Column: "...have coffee with museum director," Aug. 1, 2010
 
From The Forum News, On the Scene, Page 37: Mary Ann Van Osdell's article and photos about the retirement reception for Forrest Dunn, July 28, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times, Community Briefs: Statewide heritage trail initiative announced at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, July 14, 2010
"Secretary of State Jay Dardenne announced the launch of a new statewide cultural initiative Tuesday at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. The Heroes and Heritage Trail encompasses a series of destinations throughout the state. Those who visit 11 museums will be eligible for an overnight stay at Louisiana's Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
"In addition to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the Spring Street Historical Museum and the Shreveport Water Works Museum are on the trail. Other Northwest Louisiana museums included are the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum, Oil City; Mansfield Female College Museum, Mansfield; and the Germantown Colony Museum, Minden.
"For more information on the Heroes and Heritage Trail, log onto the Secretary of State's Museums website."
 

From The (Shreveport) Times:  Glitz and Grits and the Russians are Coming to Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Maggie Martin column, July 11, 2010

"The Russians are coming to Shreveport.

"Don't get too excited yet. 'Russia on the Red' is the theme for the 2011 Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Glitz & Grits.

" 'There will be a Russian exhibit,' said Margaret Green, during a chat at a museum press conference.

" 'And vodka? You have to have vodka at a Russian party,' quipped Louisiana Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, who was standing nearby and overheard the conversation.

" 'Oh, yes, great vodka,' Green answered.

"See you there!"

 
From the Museum and the Secretary of State: Flyer about the Acrylics on River Birch Tree Bark, July 2010-January 2011
 
From the Museum and the Secretary of State:  Flyer about the Louisiana Society of Animal Artists exhibit, July 2010
 

From The (Shreveport) Times:  Museum was always part of summer fun, Joanne Sigler column, July 7, 2010

 
From The (Shreveport) Times: Editorial--Dunn made museum a must-see stop, July 6, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times: Maggie Martin article, Waddell named museum director, June 29, 2010
 
From the Associated Press: Head of state museum in Shreveport retires, June 28, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times: New Museum director introduced at press conference, online June 28, 2010
 
From The (Shreveport) Times: Val Horvath's Photos of Dunn Retirement Event and Maggie Martin article, Forrest Dunn leaves Museum with a bang, June 28, 2010
 
From Tom Pace, Talk of the Town radio program:  Podcasts of the 37-minute Forrest Dunn retirement salute and his interview with Secretary of State Jay Dardenne. June 27, 2010
 
From KTBS-TV Channel 3: Museum Director retires and video , June 27, 2010
 
From KSLA-TV Channel 12: Standing room only at Dunn Retirement Event, June 27, 2010
 

From the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Center:  Forrest Dunn, director of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, received the first "Legend of the Industry" and a standing ovation at the annual PRIDE (Proud Residents Involved in Developing our Economy) banquet held May 12, 2010 at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. The elegant event was the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s chance to say thank you to thousands of people who make the area a true tourist destination. The PRIDE Awards Banquet was held in celebration of Tourism Awareness Month.The Hospitality/Tourism Industry employs some 37,100 people in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The PRIDE Banquet is held every year in order to honor the frontline people - the heart of the tourism industry - in front of their hospitality peers.

News article in The (Shreveport) Times: "Forrest Dunn retiring from Louisiana State Exhibit Museum," May 10, 2010, The (Shreveport) Times.

News release from the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State:  Neil Johnson Portraiture Exhibit, May 2, 2010.

Maggie Martin feature: "People: Photographer captures those from all walks of life," April 25, 2010, The (Shreveport) Times.

News release from the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State: "Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Next Stop for Exhibit Chronicling LSU's Architecture," April 7, 2010.

Devin White feature about production in LSEM Auditorium:  "Local Theater 'Shakes' Up Women's History Month,"  Tuesday, March 23, 2010, The (Shreveport) Times. 

Margaret Martin column: Over the Top and Down to Earth, Feb. 11, 2010, The (Shreveport) Times

Maggie Martin feature article: "It's in the bag: Exhibit tells all about purses," Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, The (Shreveport) Times.  

News release from the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State: "The Purse and the Person" Exhibit Opens Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum 

Shreveport Green's "Trees are Wonderful" contest winners. 

Museum flyer about Don Edwards, Wildlife Artist: Retrospective and New Works from Africa

Museum flyer about Education Express Series with Paul Pastorek, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Jan. 26, 2010, in Museum auditorium

News release from the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State:  Annual Greening at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is Success; School Winners Announced

News Release from the Smithsonian Networks: The Smithsonian Channel's “Soul of a People: Writing America's Story” screenings at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Nov. 14 at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

News Release from the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State:  Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Presents Annual Greening on Dec. 3, 2009.

Alex Kent article: "Triumph Over Tragedy aims to transform hardship into art," Sunday, September 27, 2009. See lifestyle feature in The (Shreveport) Times.  

Maggie Martin column: "Blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin wows 'em at Glitz & Grits," Sunday, September 27, 2009. See column in The (Shreveport) Times.  

KTBS-TV Channel 3's Sonya Bailes interviews Leigh Lewis and Buddy Flett about Glitz and Grits, September 18, 2009. See KTBS-TV news report.

"Glitz and Grits:  Bluesman Hubert Sumlin, new exhibit in the spotlight," September 15, 2009, article and photos in The (Shreveport) Times 

"Museum director's granddaughter will have show here," August 10, 2009 article in The (Shreveport) Times 

"Flett (Glitz & Grits performer) to receive G. Scott Griffin Award," August 4, 2009 article in The (Shreveport) Times

  From The (Shreveport) Times, July 12, 2009 Harriet Daggett poses with Louisiana State Exhibit Museum director Forrest Dunn. Daggett received the Lois Wyatt Bannon “Heart and Soul” Award, a special service award from the Louisiana Association of Museums (LAM) at its 2009 conference held in Baton Rouge. Daggett began volunteering at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in 1999 and has served as a board member of the Landscape and Grounds Committee, board member of the FRIENDS of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, membership drive chairman, as editor and in-house photographer for the in-house quarterly newsletter. (Special to The Times)
 
  "Family Fun Day at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum," June 23, 2009 article in Red River Moms
 
  FROM THE (SHREVEPORT) TIMES
10A  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008

       T O D A Y ‘S  E D I T O R I A L  

Museum needs help

preserving culture  

  Defining the culture of northwest Louisiana can
be an elusive endeavor even for professionals.
  So far the best we’ve come up with is “The Other
Side.”
  Walk through the dioramas and artifacts at the
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and you might find
a clue. They tell stories about farming and rivers
and the Caddo Indians, who first called this place
home.
  Museum administrator Forrest Dunn has more
stories he would like to tell, but he’s running out of
room to store artifacts safely. The museum hopes
to convince legislators of the need for a $3 million
archive building, so the museum could be expanded
while preserving the things of history already there.
  In the upcoming tight budget year, state officials
have every right to set high standards for projects
seeking new money. Projects should have a clear
statewide purpose and be held accountable in their
spending.
  The museum—a state owned and operated
facility—seems to meet those requirements.
Without the new building, Dunn says the museum
will be limited in what it can accept and display.
  “We have started in the last few years collecting
on loan and in donations better quality of artifacts
than we have maybe ever,” he said.
  Currently, when a traveling or new exhibit arrives,
they often displace the regular exhibits. And the
only place to store them is the basement of the 1938
building.
  One can only imagine the damp and heat of the
summer can’t be good for centuries-old artifacts
And during recent storms, water seeped into the
area. Quick work by museum staff saved what
was there, but it’s far from the temperature- and
humidity-controlled environment that is standard in
most museum archives
  Because of its affiliation with the Smithsonian,
Dunn has access to world-class traveling exhibits,
but some have turned him down because of space
concerns. And he has turned down donations because
he can’t store items.
  Plans have already been drawn for the archive building
to be constructed on the south side of the property. It
would have all the proper storage places to protect
irreplaceable items and some office space, so staff
members wouldn’t have to work in the hallway of the
museum.
  Having more exhibits in storage would allow Dunn
to rotate items in and out of display to help keep the
museum fresh.
  In this economic environment, it is hard to ask for
anything new, and we know there are limits. But it’s
also hard to put a price on preserving our history.
 
  FROM THE (SHREVEPORT) TIMES
FEBRUARY 2006

       T O D A Y ‘S  E D I T O R I A L  

Pulitzer photo exhibit

extraordinary event  

An extraordinary event and one that should not be missed
is occurring at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum at the
Fair Grounds now through April 30. The Museum and its friends
have scored a major coup with “Capturing the Moment: The
Pulitzer Prize Photographs.”
Anyone with an interest in photography or history, or both,
will be spellbound. Those who think they’re just casually interested
will find themselves reading the text of every one of the some 160
panels and experiencing an exhibit like never before. Together the
images and text combine for a powerful experience that leaves
visitors deeply moved.
“World-changing, heart-changing, mind-boggling, awe-inspiring,” is
how one local resident describes the exhibition.
Every Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph from 1942 through 2005
is displayed dramatically on four-by-eight foot panels that cover
the dioramas and glass cabinets around the circular-shaped museum.
Each photo is accompanied by compelling text, in which the
photographer tells the story behind the picture.
There are widely recognized photos that everyone of a certain age
can recall – the soldiers hoisting the American flag at Iwo Jima,
the shooting of Oswald in Dallas and the napalmed young girl in Vietnam.
More recently, there’s the firefighter cradling the baby after the Oklahoma
City bombing and the smoke and flames of the World Trade Center towers.
War is a dominant theme and about 30 percent of the images display
violence (and, consequently, should not be viewed by young children).
Domestic and social issues depicting such topics as politics, crime, racism,
poverty, homelessness and drug addiction are found throughout the exhibit.
And there are images of heroes, rescues, family warmth, solace and
ordinary things. For instance, there’s the famous 1958 photo of the police
officer bending over to talk with a toddler at a parade, and the ecstatic
family greeting a returning POW in 1973.
The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and its Friends organization worked
tirelessly to mount “Capture the Moment” and have produced what the
exhibit’s New York curator described as the best mounted version she has
experienced. Visitors and residents of the Ark-La-Tex are the beneficiaries
of their good work and should make every effort to see this amazing
exhibit – up close and personal.
The words “awe inspiring” were made for such an occasion.

See also

Friends in Pictures
Event Photos