A new contemporary art space, the DPR Gallery, has officially opened in downtown Lake Charles, marking a significant addition to the Southwest Louisiana arts community. The gallery's first exhibition, titled "Rebirth," features the work of internationally recognized artist Peregrine Honig and will be on display until the end of the year.
Located at 104 W. Pujo St., the gallery occupies a renovated space that previously housed the restaurant Botsky’s. The opening aims to contribute to the ongoing cultural and economic revitalization of the downtown area, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- DPR Gallery, a new contemporary art space, has opened in downtown Lake Charles at 104 W. Pujo St.
- The inaugural exhibition is "Rebirth" by internationally acclaimed artist Peregrine Honig, running until December 31.
- The exhibition explores themes of femininity and identity through reinterpretations of classic fairy tales.
- The gallery was founded by local entrepreneurs Paul Picheloup, Derek Guidry, and Ryan Chet to expand the region's art scene.
- The theme "Rebirth" reflects both the artist's work and the post-hurricane recovery of Lake Charles.
A New Hub for Contemporary Art
The DPR Gallery launched with an immersive exhibition by Peregrine Honig, an American artist whose works are part of permanent collections at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. Her presence signals the gallery's ambition to bring high-caliber national and international art to the region.
The gallery was founded by a trio of friends: Paul Picheloup, Derek Guidry, and Ryan Chet. The name "DPR" is an acronym of their first names. Picheloup explained that the name originated from their mutual friend, McNeese State University art history professor Bridget McDaniel, who used the acronym for their travel plans.
"Us three always travel together, so it kind of stuck," Picheloup said. "When the gallery idea came about, we sat down and thought about what we would name it. And then DPR started." The partnership combines Picheloup and Guidry's extensive experience in the hospitality and event business with Chet's operational support.
From Hot Dogs to Fine Art
The gallery's location at 104 W. Pujo St. was formerly home to Botsky's, a popular hot dog restaurant. The founders have completely transformed the interior, painting the walls and ceilings white to create a modern, minimalist space designed to showcase contemporary art. The gallery is situated next to PaperSmith, a local stationery store that moved into the adjacent suite earlier in the year.
The "Rebirth" Exhibition
The gallery's inaugural show, "Rebirth," features eight large pieces and ten smaller studies by Peregrine Honig. The collection uses familiar folklore and fairy tale characters to examine complex themes of femininity, cultural memory, and identity through different stages of life.
Reinterpreting Classic Tales
Honig's work subverts traditional narratives, prompting viewers to reconsider the underlying messages in stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks. She presents classic characters in new contexts to challenge established conventions and explore darker, more nuanced interpretations.
"I really present a beautiful facade that navigates things like nursery rhymes, which are inherently political. And fairytales, which are inherently sociopolitical," Honig stated in an interview with the American Press.
She challenges the audience to think critically about the stories they grew up with. "Who sends their daughter into the woods with just a basket and a red outfit?" she asked, using the example to illustrate how her art questions the traditional roles and outcomes assigned to female characters.
Exhibition Details
- Artist: Peregrine Honig
- Title: "Rebirth"
- Location: DPR Gallery, 104 W. Pujo St., Lake Charles
- Duration: Open to the public until December 31
- Content: Eight large artworks and ten smaller studies
A Theme for the City
The title "Rebirth" was a collaborative choice, reflecting not only the themes in Honig's art but also the state of Lake Charles itself. The city has been recovering from multiple hurricanes and economic difficulties over the past several years.
Picheloup noted the multiple layers of meaning. "We have this old warehouse, which was a restaurant... that’s been renovated into an art gallery," he said. "It’s a rebirth for downtown Lake Charles because of the direction we’re going, we’re moving forward and reviving the downtown."
Honig echoed this sentiment, drawing a parallel between the risk of opening a new business in a recovering city and the inherent risk of creation. "Every time you give birth, you’re taking in a massive risk," she explained. "So, when you’re investing in this area that is obviously volatile... They are taking this massive risk."
Community and Collaboration
Honig's connection to Lake Charles began in 2014, facilitated by local artist and educator Megan Green. Green contacted Honig after seeing her on the Bravo reality series "Work of Art." This friendship led to Honig's first visit to conduct a workshop in the city.
During her recent two-week stay for the gallery opening, Honig led another workshop with students. They collaborated to produce 130 copies of her print, "Miss Kitty Take a Selfie." The print is a complex eight-layer wood cut and silk screen with hand-painted details.
The prints will be sold through both DPR Gallery and McNeese State University, with proceeds benefiting the university's arts programs. This collaboration underscores the gallery's commitment to fostering the local arts ecosystem.
Honig praised the local community's enthusiasm for the arts. "It’s just great to walk into a community that’s really thirsty and really excited," she said. "People are fancy, but they’re not rude. People are excited, but they’re not pretentious... It’s a big breath of fresh air for me."
For the gallery's founders, the goal is to add to the city's cultural offerings. Picheloup believes that more art venues benefit everyone. "Why not another gallery? The more, the merrier," he stated. "The more art galleries downtown, the better. The more shopping downtown, the better."