The Imperial Pour at The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Jun 16, 2025 05:15PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Raise a Glass to Art, Culture, and Community at The Imperial Pour
An Elegant Evening of Wine, History, and Legacy at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
An Elegant Evening of Wine, History, and Legacy at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Lake Charles, LA — The Imperial Calcasieu Museum invites the community to step into a refined celebration of flavor, artistry, and heritage at The Imperial Pour, an exclusive wine tasting experience taking place Friday, June 27, from 6–8 PM. This intimate evening blends the sensory pleasures of wine with the cultural richness of Southwest Louisiana, all in support of the Museum’s mission to preserve, educate, and inspire through arts and history.
Guests will enjoy six expertly selected wine pours, curated by Ryan Kennedy, a Lake Charles-based sommelier celebrated for his approachable expertise and passion for both regional and international wines. He is the proud owner of Vin Ami Boutique Wine & Spirits, which is an extension of his passion for sharing high-quality, small-production wines from family-owned wineries across the globe. Each pour is paired with thoughtfully chosen accompaniments.
Guests will enjoy six expertly selected wine pours, curated by Ryan Kennedy, a Lake Charles-based sommelier celebrated for his approachable expertise and passion for both regional and international wines. He is the proud owner of Vin Ami Boutique Wine & Spirits, which is an extension of his passion for sharing high-quality, small-production wines from family-owned wineries across the globe. Each pour is paired with thoughtfully chosen accompaniments.
The event also includes after-hours access to the Museum’s exhibitions, transforming the evening into an immersive journey through art and time. Two feature exhibitions anchor the experience:
Through the Lines showcases highlights of the Museum’s permanent fine art collection, drawing attention to three foundational figures in Louisiana’s visual legacy.
- John James Audubon, the famed naturalist and artist, is represented through prints with meticulously detailed illustrations that bridge scientific observation and artistic beauty.
- Boyd Cruise, a Louisiana illustrator and historian, captures the soul of the state in his Alphabet series and renderings of architecture, community, and daily life. His work offers a deeply personal and enduring visual archive.
- Angela Gregory, a pioneering 20th-century sculptor from New Orleans, is recognized for her expressive work in stone and bronze. As one of the first prominent female sculptors in the South, Gregory’s legacy lies in both her technical mastery and regional influence.
Together, these artists tell a story of Louisiana—its ecosystems, its histories, and its people—through masterful lines and powerful perspectives.
Also on view is El Nuevo Constante: Shipwrecked, an exploration of the 1766 wreck of a Spanish merchant vessel discovered off Louisiana’s coast. The exhibition invites guests to uncover the mystery of this long-submerged piece of Gulf Coast history through recovered artifacts and maritime storytelling.
As an exclusive treat for guests of The Imperial Pour, the Museum will unveil a one-night-only presentation of The Conde Antique Corkscrew Collection. This remarkable assortment of ornately crafted wine openers—many dating back centuries—celebrates the enduring ritual of the toast. A silent auction featuring select antique corkscrews will allow attendees to take home a piece of that history.
All proceeds from The Imperial Pour go directly to supporting the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s arts and humanities programming, which serves all ages across the region. From school tours and community events to exhibitions and preservation efforts, your ticket is more than a seat—it’s a contribution to a thriving cultural legacy.
At its core is the Gibson-Barham Gallery, a 2,500-square-foot space that brings world-class and homegrown exhibitions to the public. From residencies with Tibetan monks to showcases featuring Eddie Mormon, the Gallery continues to broaden access to the arts. It also uplifts emerging talent through juried shows, proving that history and creativity go hand in hand in building a vibrant future.
The Museum’s very name, Imperial Calcasieu, pays tribute to a once-vast parish that gave rise to the region we now know. With a commitment to connecting past and present, the Museum remains a cornerstone of storytelling, learning, and cultural pride in the five-parish area.
Tickets are $75 per person (ages 21+), and include wine tastings, charcuterie, gallery access, and participation in the silent auction.
Reserve your seat today at imperialcalcasieumuseum.org or visit the Museum’s Facebook page for full event details.
Let’s raise a glass—to the past, to community, and to the future of culture in Southwest Louisiana.