Discover the Whimsical Curio-ddities Exhibit at Henning Cultural Center
Immerse Yourself in Cherished Memories at the Curio-ddities Exhibit
Whimsical displays of eclectic odds and ends weave a captivating narrative journey in the Curio-ddities exhibit. Themed nooks and vibrant installations transport visitors into the dreams, nightmares, and memories of others. Imagine holding your grandmother’s necklace, watching a music box ballerina twirl from a bygone era, or gazing into an antique silver mirror to envision another time. This exhibit evokes that profound, goosebump-inducing connection to objects rich with personal history.
Curated by Kat Godsey and Thom Trahan at the Henning Cultural Center, with co-curator Ashley Royer, the exhibit infuses lived-in objects with palpable emotional depth. Housed in a historic 1904 early 20th-century home, the space perfectly blends art, artifacts, and vignettes—creating a gallery of the weird and wonderful.
The Foyer welcomes patrons with enchanting costumes and lifelike characters, evoking a 3D renaissance festival. In the adjacent Grand Gallery, an apothecary theme captivates, featuring salvaged historic relics from the Brimstone Museum Railroad Depot—devastated by Hurricane Laura—including antique dental tools and medicine vials.
Meet Zeladora Vidal E'Creufet - Mystical Creature:
This nightmarish yet fascinating goose-like guardian, crafted by Lisa Reed of Flock of Five from driftwood, seashells, and Cameron Parish beach finds, protects 2020-2021 nightmares—from hurricanes and the pandemic to winter storms—in tiny corked medicine vials. It's a prime example of the exhibit's bold, imaginative artistry.
The Conservatory plunges into undersea wonders, magical creatures, fairies, and elves. A standout is a shell-encrusted staff, evoking a mermaid's scepter from ocean depths—view it in person to fully appreciate its allure.
Upstairs, Under the Big Top explores circus nightmares—think Miss Piggy as Zoltar! The Atrium transports to outer space with Excalibur vibes, while The Inner Sanctum feels like a childhood attic treasure trove, blending grandma’s glittering gowns, jewels, and furs.
As one of the few local venues for art amid museum reconstructions post-2020 hurricanes, the exhibit showcases salvaged Brimstone Museum pieces, including a 1915 builder-signed fragment from the over-100-year-old Railroad Depot destroyed by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.
Kat Godsey, Assistant Director, and Thom Trahan, Executive Director
The Brimstone Historical Society plans a modernized museum rebuild with traveling exhibits, field trips, art classes, and history programs. Stay tuned for updates!
Presented by Henning Cultural Center and Brimstone Museum with Sulphur Parks & Recreation. On display through May 8: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–noon & 1–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Contact Thom or Kat at (337) 527-0357 or follow Henning Cultural Center on social media.
Photos: by Kathryn Shea Duncan, VLC
Thumbnail Art: "You Can Take it With You" by Adam Walker Manuel
Featured Contributors and Artists:
Contributors: LeShai Brown (Polished Peasant) / The Monks Family / Natalie Lawton / Roxie Lanthier / Lucy Clark Royer / Jennifer Reeser / Alexandra Lei Spears / Jody Taylor / Thom Trahan / The Brimstone Historical Society
Artists: Morgan Allain (The Inkling Girl) / Sarah Rose Bercier (Sarah Rose Studios) / Mattie Borel / Sandra Boudreaux (Lady Mercuria) / Faith Broussard / Leah Burklow / Caleb Comeaux (The Arbored Hidesman) / Dr. Cooper / Sollette Doucet / Bill Elliott / Jessica Firmin / Ashley Gates / Kat Godsey / Melissa Hebert / Amie Herbert / Anna Leblanc (The Whimsical Banana) / Edward Leblanc / Kayla Louviere / Janice Little / Adam Walker Manuel / Lucille Miller / Ken Miller / Rei Miller / Jengi Miller / Jock McGregor / Devin Morgan / Chuck Morgue / Marielle Myers (Bayou Pottery) / Malcolm O’Brien / Susan Onysko / Emily Elizabeth Parker / John Peters / Lisa Reed (Flock of Five) / Jason Reeser / Ashley Royer / Wren Royer / Skylar Saunders / Ken Stine / R. Vale / Sydney Thomas / Heather Regan White / Damian Willis / Hannah Wyninger
