Gallery by the Lake presents its members’ group exhibition, “Finding Home,” featuring artist Christy Stipelcovich. This exhibition will include works not only by Gallery artists, but also pieces contributed by friends and family of some of the artists.

Stipelcovich’s works will include pieces she completed in high school, salvaged after Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home in Plaquemines Parish. She decided to also include several more recent creations from loved ones, saying, “I struggled with creativity in the time leading up to the show but realized I was surrounded by talented people who support me personally, and could provide artistic support as well. I wanted to share this space and time with them to honor those bonds. That then led to new works that symbolize the connection and community that help us find home, wherever life takes us.”

Stipelcovich’s art journey takes many forms, including pencil drawings, acrylic paintings, paper quilling and cyanotypes. Her view of trying any and all forms of artistic mediums is a reflection of the eclectic life path that brought her to where she is today. After graduation from law school and admission to the Louisiana Bar, which took place the year of Hurricane Katrina, she changed course and began a career in the casino industry. Another shift occurred in 2020, when she left full-time work to focus more on art. Coincidentally, this was two weeks before Hurricane Laura hit. “Displaying these works feels like coming full circle and a sort of closure - perhaps completing another round on the spiral of life,” says Stipelcovich.

Other Gallery by the Lake members will contribute art to the exhibition through their own interpretations of the “Finding Home” theme. Some of the artworks will be priced for sale but are required to remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.

The exhibition will open with a reception from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, at the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, Second Floor East gallery. The exhibition will remain on view Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 AM to 6 PM until October 5, 2024. Admission is free.

This project is supported by a SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant from Visit Lake Charles (Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau) as well as a grant from the City of Lake Charles, both as administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA.