Third Thursdays at the LSU Museum of Art

If spending an evening hanging out at the local art museum stirs up more of a “yawn” than a “yay” from you, then you’ve obviously been missing out on Third Thursdays at the LSU Museum of Art. Live music, craft drinks, and the unbeatable view from the Shaw Center of the Arts downtown come together to draw out the art lover in just about anyone at least once a month.

Every— you guessed it!—third Thursday, this “happy hour with art” focuses on a different theme, often highlighting visiting artists or certain aspects of the Louisiana art collection. These evenings prove that the museum’s dedication to local art doesn’t stop with its extensive permanent exhibit and many traveling exhibitions. The music of local bands paints the air, and heady sips provided by Louisiana distilleries and local bars rest easy on the palate ... well, that's art too!

You don’t have to be Picasso reincarnated (or even know which end of a paintbrush is up) to enjoy these evenings, but if your muse does find you, you’re in luck. Low-pressure art activities—all for fun, no skills required—offer a great excuse to start your creative juices flowing and really get hands on with the night’s theme.

“It’s something different than just a regular museum experience,” said Brandi Simmons, Communications Coordinator for the Museum of Art. “We wanted to give people in Baton Rouge a fun time, something nice for a date or night out with the girls.” Even better? Hobnobbing with high art doesn’t have to come at a high price. Tickets for the general public are generally $10, with discounts for members and LSU students and faculty.