Monroe's Biedenharn Museum Moonlight in the Garden will be held, Saturday, April, 24 from 3:00 – 8:00. This event features Caroline Youngblood’s artwork, exhibits in the Bible Museum, strolling in the Garden, and Coke Floats. The museum is expanding hours to give visitors plenty of time to enjoy the first Moonlight in the Garden of the year Admission is five dollars, payable at the Riverside Gate. Masks are not required in the gardens but are required for admittance in the Bible Museum.
Caroline Youngblood is a local favorite. She captures the spirit of Louisiana on large color-filled canvases. Her current focus is the flora and fauna of Sportsman’s Paradise. Magnolias, Live Oaks, Audubon-inspired Herons, and her most recent passion Alligators are presented in a unique style that journalist John R. Kemp describes as “iconic symbols of life in Louisiana and the South.” Original artwork and print reproductions will be available for purchase during the event.
Two new exhibits of Biblical Art have opened for 2021. One features over 50 works by Jewish illustrator Marc Chagall. Chagall was an early modernist and is recognized as the foremost visual interpreter of the Bible in the twentieth century. Chagall wrote that “Our whole inner world is a reality, perhaps more real than the apparent world.” Chagall’s vision of the Old Testament combines his Jewish heritage and modern art in rich images of multiple meanings. He says that he did not see the Bible, but he dreamed it, even as a child.
The other new exhibit features artwork created by local artists, accompanying bronze statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross, which trace the final hours of Christ’s life from his trial to the Tomb. The artists are Andrea Jackson, Sallie Bynum Anzelmo, Cherie Bright, Ginger DeBruehl-Stapp, Melanie Douthit, Liz Zanca, Cindy Magee, Kathleen Tumey, Uriah Oxford, Leah Reitzell, Anne Gilbert, Tammy Mays, Christy Dunn, and Stacie Austin.
Classic Coke Floats will be served in the garden by Soda Jerks in authentic soda fountain costumes. The combination of Coca-Cola and vanilla ice cream is a beautiful treat to enjoy as one strolls through the garden enjoying the artwork and beautiful plants.
The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, 2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA, are open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 to 5:00. Regular admission is $7.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Students, Seniors, and the Military. For more information, call 318-387-5281.