Floyd Sonnier, Kevin Brisco Jr., among exhibits to open in March at Hilliard Art Museum

Two exhibits that will open in March are among the spring offerings at The Hilliard Art Museum – University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“Kevin Brisco Jr, Take Place: A Home in Four Movements” examines how domestic spaces hold our most intimate experiences while shaping our understanding of self. Curated by Aaron Garvey, the exhibit unfolds through four distinct movements, each revealing how the walls of our homes bear witness to and echo our personal histories. The exhibit will open March 1 and remain until June 7.

“Tides, Time, and Terrain: Floyd Sonnier and the Evolving Cultural Landscape” features well-known artist Floyd Sonnier, who is celebrated for his pen and ink representations of life in Acadiana. The exhibit pairs Sonnier’s timeless imagery with works by more than 40 regional artists that include Debbie Fleming Caffery, Tina Girouard, Elemore Morgan Jr. and Elemore Morgan, Sr., Francis Pavy, Keith Sonnier, James "Son Ford" Thomas, George Rodrigue, and Leo Touchet. The exhibit will run from March 15 to Aug. 1.

Two additional exhibits that complement each other are already in place – “From Inspiration to Evolution: The Journey to French Modern Art, Selections from the Reverend Paul Bienvenu Collection” and “Rodin: Toward Modernity.”

“From Inspiration to Evolution” examines the artistic landscape of 19th and early 20th-century France. It celebrates the work of Auguste Rodin's contemporaries by exploring influences and inspirations that contributed to the birth and evolution of French Modern Art. The exhibit features a diverse array of masterpieces from artists that include Eugène Delacroix, Pierre Bonnard, Antoine Bourdelle and Georges Rouault. The exhibit will end March 1.

“Rodin: Toward Modernity” features 40 bronze sculptures by the French artist, who is widely considered the founder of modern sculpture. During a long and controversial career, Rodin challenged accepted traditions of figural representation, creating complex, emotionally dynamic and deeply textured forms. By the end of his life, he was hailed as the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo. The exhibit will end July 5.

The Hilliard Art Museum features 11,000 square feet of gallery space and is the largest exhibition space between Houston and New Orleans. It houses a collection of 18th- through 21st-century European, Asian and American art. In addition to its permanent collection, it offers changing exhibits of regional, national and international art.

The museum is at 710 E. St. Mary Blvd., on the UL Lafayette campus. To learn more about the museum, exhibits, artists, programs, hours and cost of admission visit hilliardmuseum.org or call (337) 482-2278.

Photo caption: The work of Floyd Sonnier (pictured), along with many other local and regional artists, will be displayed as part of two new exhibits set to open in March at The Hilliard Art Museum – University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Another new exhibit will feature the work of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Photo credit: Floyd Sonnier, Ferdinand Stutes Grocery-Bar (Country Cajun), 1990, archival print.