History
Gallery by the Lake Inc. had its humble beginnings under the name “Associated Louisiana Artists” as a small group of artists meeting to paint together in individual homes. In 1984 Anne Dentler, founder, had a vision for Gallery by the Lake to someday have its own home where artists would come together to share knowledge, art, experience, camaraderie and exhibition of their art. That dream was soon realized, and today, Gallery by the Lake resides in two rooms of the Historic Central School Arts & Humanities Center building at 809 Kirby Street in Lake Charles, working to fulfil its mission:
To share and inspire the esthetic power of visual arts in our community with programs designed to educate and promote participation through gallery events and exhibits.
Gallery by the Lake members are privileged to exhibit their art in quarterly exhibitions on the second floor of the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center building at 1001 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.
The Gallery serves the Southwest Louisiana Community through regular (usually Saturday) art instruction classes throughout the year. These art events are supported by a SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant from the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau as administered by the Arts Council of SWLA.