The most popular exhibition of the year, featuring the work of local artists, opens Saturday, Sept. 8 at the LaGrange Art Museum. 

The Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange exhibition, featuring 66 works, will be displayed on the first floor of the museum, according to a press release. 

The second floor will showcase the artworks of Eugène Carrière, a 19th century French Symbolist painter. Local physician Dr. Nick Vlachos is a passionate collector of Carrière’s masterpieces. This exhibition is part of the weekend-long celebration of the life of the Marquis de Lafayette, who is featured in an iconic sculpture on the downtown LaGrange Square.     

“Now is the time to upgrade what’s currently on your walls,” said Laura Jennings, executive director of the museum. “It’s a win-win when you purchase works from local artists. You are helping a creative community thrive and making your surroundings far more intriguing.”

Board member Al Brannon encouraged attendance for the opening reception. 

“If you’ve never been to a museum opening reception, you are missing out on a very social occasion. And don’t worry about dress because there’s everything from t-shirts and ragged shorts to folks dressed up to dine afterward at our local restaurants,” Brannon said.  

Appetizers and beverages are served at the free reception that is open to the public and runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A gallery talk for the Vive Carrière exhibition is set for Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Vlachos will share the stories of the artist’s life. 

Curating the Carrière exhibition is Lauren Oliver, LaGrange Art Museum Deputy Director.  Local artist Melinda Clair is curating the VAAL exhibition. 

The VAAL exhibition runs through Oct. 6, 2018, and the Vive Carrière exhibition runs through Nov. 10. The exhibitions are sponsored by Three Points Frame, Higgins LaGrange Funeral Home and Jerry and Cindy Fulks. 

To keep up with the latest news involving the LaGrange Art Museum, go to www.lagrangeartmuseum.org.