Candice Alexander: Visionary Artist Behind Lake Charles' Iconic Tree of Life Mural
Discover the vibrant artistic talent in Southwest Louisiana, where creativity extends beyond galleries and museums to stunning outdoor murals in downtown Lake Charles. One standout is Candice Alexander’s captivating Tree of Life project on the south wall of the historic Charleston Building at 900 Ryan Street.
In 2012, Alexander relocated her Alexander Art Studio from Central School Arts and Humanities to this prime location, drawn by its high visibility and the expansive 140-foot exterior wall that screamed potential as a massive canvas.
“It was so obvious that the wall of the building was just a huge 140-foot canvas,” Alexander recalls. Months after settling in, she overlaid a photo of a Seattle tree mural onto an image of the Charleston Building’s side. She pitched the Tree of Life concept to the owners, who embraced it enthusiastically. The idea gained traction when the American Press featured it on the front page, solidifying her commitment.
Six months prior, Alexander and a team of local artists began painting and assembling the mural, transforming it into a community collaboration. Residents, families, and businesses donate “leaves” for the tree, while schoolchildren contribute artwork. “It’s a tree,” she explains. “It’s ever-growing. It’s powerful.” This perpetual work in progress symbolizes growth and unity.
Alexander Art Studio and the Tree of Life mural earned the prestigious 2015 Mayor’s Art Award for Best Arts Organization.
Alexander is renowned for her signature fleur-de-lis motifs, Louisiana’s iconic symbol. With over a decade of designs—estimated at more than 800—her work blends tradition with innovation.
Her fleur-de-lis journey began with an unclaimed engraved commission: simple black-and-white prints produced one by one.
Seeking vibrancy, she introduced colors like red, purple, and gold, embellishing with drawings. A sailor-themed overlay sparked endless variations incorporating professions and themes. “I just didn’t stop—for years,” she shares.
Beyond best-selling fleur-de-lis pieces, Alexander excels in eclectic “assemblage” art, akin to mixed media. “It’s a collection of objects that, together, tell a story, role, or poem,” she describes. Recent commissions include pieces for a local chiropractor and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, plus high-profile clients like Keith Urban and the creators of American Horror Story.
Visit Alexander Art Studio at 900 Ryan St. to explore her gallery brimming with unique items: prints, smartphone protectors, pot holders, jewelry, mugs, apparel—all featuring her enchanting fleur-de-lis designs.
Open Fridays 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Check www.candicealexander.com or call 337-433-2299.
