3 Must-See Galleries for Art Lovers in Lafayette, LA

Lafayette is a city steeped in culture. From the creole dishes to the historic sites, the parish offers something for everyone. For art lovers, in particular, there’s no shortage of galleries to appeal to your creative side. Here are just a few of our local favorites.

The Cajun Picasso

Discover the rich tradition of Louisiana visual art at The Cajun Picasso. With its friendly vibe and unique layout, this art gallery is an interactive experience for every guest. The mixed media artwork by Dusty Reed is distinct, incorporating a broad scope of artistic methods. Original pieces and prints are available for purchase, giving everyone the chance to own a work of art by this astounding up-and-comer.

Reed opened The Cajun Picasso gallery in 2010 and continues to create folk art reflecting the vibrancy of Louisiana and its people. Each piece combines Reed’s Cajun roots with his personal contemporary style, but this art gallery isn’t completely about the resident artist himself. Reed and other local artists hold art classes at The Cajun Picasso, encouraging locals to pick up a paint brush and create a keepsake memento that will last a lifetime.

Acadiana Center for the Arts

More than just a live performance venue, the Acadiana Center for the Arts is also a visual art gallery with a prominent position in Lafayette. Art exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.

This year, the Acadiana Center for the Arts will host the Leo Touchet: People Among Us exhibit from April 8 through June 17, which consists of large black-and-white photographs taken on assignment over a 50-year photojournalist career. These images have been published in Time magazine, National Geographic, The New York Times, and other publications, and can be found in private collections such as the Sir Elton John Photography Collection.

The main gallery will also features the Invisible Like Gravity exhibit until May 14. This unique show is being called a “uniquely cerebral experience” that offers each guest a gateway into the artists’ inner worlds.

Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery

Voted one of the best places to shop in the South by Southern Living, Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery is a boutique, art gallery, and the home of the Louisiana Crafts Guild all rolled into one. Located in the oldest surviving commercial building in downtown Lafayette, Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery features the work of more than 250 members, including some of the South’s finest artisans.

Discover a variety of media, including wood, metal, textiles, pottery, glass, jewelry, and paintings. Each piece is unique, with most of the selections falling into the contemporary art category. Also, with so many selections, you can easily find something in any price range. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical item for the home or a special gift idea, the talented artists and craftsmen in downtown have you covered.

From formal art galleries to laidback craft boutiques, Lafayette’s art scene has it all. So, set aside a few hours and explore the rich artistic side of our Southern city.