A Light on History!
700 Procter Street | Port Arthur, Texas, 77640 | (409) 982-7000
Memorials/Donations
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MUSEUM EVENTS
Museum EVENTS, the OPENING NIGHT of Exhibits, Hall of Fame INDUCTIONS, and FAMILY FUN DAYS are free of charge to the public.
Exhibit on view
through
September 14th
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is exhibiting the works of revered Port Arthur artist Maudee Carron. The selected pieces are primarily from our own archives and will be available for viewing through September 14th.
Ms. Carron was born in Melville, LA, in 1912. Her family eventually settled in Port Arthur when she was in elementary school. After graduating from high school, she received several art scholarships. Maudee accepted one from the WPA-sponsored Creative Arts School in Houston in 1934 to be closer to her husband. In Houston, she became a part of the intellectual elite called "the left bank on the bayou." Her studies under Ola MacNeill Davidson catapulted Carron on a lifelong journey of artistic expression in almost every medium, including theater and writing.
Her paintings and sculptures were exhibited in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi in the following decades. A critic for This Week in New Orleans wrote, "Her work is different, refreshing, and substantial. Critics say she is an artist's artist."
After a car accident injured her right hand in 1979, Carron taught herself to draw with her left hand, which she felt reintroduced some spontaneity in her art. Maudee often ventured into sculptures using found objects. The museum will exhibit two works made with a Singer sewing machine and another with a lawn mower blade.
At the age of 73, she exhibited at the Kunstraum Gallery in West Berlin with a show titled "Texas Eye Con's." The McNay in San Antonio lists her painting titled "Pinwheel Street" in its extensive collection. James Surls described her as "a free soul, extracted from all that is pure in humankind, a conduit from the center." Maudee Carron died in Port Arthur in 1996 at the age of 81.
Exhibited pieces include donations made to the museum by William Berry, Bill and Anna Lee Draughon, Carol Hudman, John and Orra Eaves, Eddie Savoy, Linnis Blanton, Bob and Martha Troxell, Robert Darling, and Katherine Baugh.
Works on loan have also been generously provided by Keith Carter, Dr. Sam Monroe, Andy Coughlan, Pete Churton, Jason Larson and Jamie Kessler.
Book Signing: TURTLE ON A POST, Memoir of Texas State Senator Carl Parker. Sept. 7, 3-5 PM at the the Museum
You are invited to attend the book signing of Turtle on a Post, Memoir of Texas State Senator Carl Parker, a collection of stories as told to Jim Sanderson about the Senator's life and legacy. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Join the Parker children, Valerie, Chris, and Allen for the signing along with writer Jim Sanderson on Saturday, September 7, from 3-5:00PM at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Carl was a Texas State Senator and served in the House of Representatives. His long career in politics lasted from 1962 to 1995. In these pages, you will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the interworking of the Texas political machine. You'll also get to know the man behind the legend-a father, husband, and world traveler who lived a full and fascinating life. This book is perfect for history buffs, political aficionados, and those who just want to read a well-told tale.
Turtle on a Post was published by the Lamar University Press. Jim Sanderson is the current Writer-in-Residence at Lamar University.
Memories of Zydeco Past and Present
Opening Reception October 5, 4 - 7PM
The Museum of the Gulf Coast will be exhibiting the photographs of Port Arthur resident Rita Colligan Manuel from October 5th to December 28th. The exhibit will feature photographic memories of some of the greatest Zydeco musicians of all time. The opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th, at 4:00 pm in the museum's Dunn Gallery and is free of charge to the public. The exhibit will be available for viewing through December 28th. Many family members included in the photographs are expected to attend and play.
This exhibit is generously sponsored by The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau, Joyce James Consulting, and Pete and Rita's Zydeco Show.
Rita Colligan Manuel was born in Opelousas, Louisiana. Her Creole culture inspired her to pick up a camera 45 years ago and preserve the extraordinary history she was witnessing. Rita and her husband, Pete Manuel, were popular Zydeco DJs on radio stations in Port Arthur and Beaumont. They continue to promote and support Zydeco musicians in the area. Rita says, "I danced my way across the border of two states to take these photographs."
The photographs will include images of Boozoo Chavis, John Delafose, Beau Jocque, Buckwheat, Clifton Chenier, C.J. Chenier, Willis Prudhomme, and Roy Carrier. Zydeco bands often included family members, and Rita's photographs captured today's well-known performers in their earliest appearances. These include Keith Frank, Geno Delafose, Chubby, Big Nate and Lil Nate, Rob Pitre, Lady D, Step Rideau, Brian Jack, Noonie, and J-Paul. They are a testament to the enduring popularity of Zydeco music and our region's Creole culture. C.J. Chenier is a native of Port Arthur.
Halloween Family Fun Day: Spooktacular!
Sponsored by
Chevron Phillips
Chemical
Come to the Museum of the Gulf Coast on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00AM-1:00PM for a FREE Family Fun Day SPOOKTACULAR event! We will have many fun activities for the whole family, and admission to the museum is FREE during the event.
There will be costumed characters, Free balloon animals, a Live Snake Education Experience, the Mobile Dairy Classroom, Stable Spirit petting Horses, Laura & Abe's Ice Cream Truck and much more!
There will even be a fun photo backdrop where you can take a cute family photo, so bring your camera!
Put on your costume and come to the Museum of the Gulf Coast for a Spooky Good Time for Ghouls and Boos!
This FREE Community Event is made possible by Chevron Phillips Chemical, Port Arthur, Texas.
Lamar Brass Quintet
Join us for an evening of music with Lamar University's renowned Lamar Brass Quintet. Reception at 6:00PM. Performance at 6:30PM.
Christmas Family Fun Day
Come to the Museum of the Gulf Coast on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00AM-1:00PM for a FREE Family Fun Day Holiday event! Join Santa, the Grinch, and a whole sleigh full of activities for the family. There will be fun crafts and games for the kids, free entertainment, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities! But WATCH OUT for the Grinch!!!