STELLA MILLER MEET

Cultural Trailblazer

Art, culture, and education are whirling around inside the heart of Stella Miller, local cultural trailblazer and founder of the Black Heritage Gallery. She knows the importance of outreach to encourage an appreciation for the arts, a passion that was ignited by her own mother years ago. She has carried that torch with her, lighting up the arts for cultural diversity in Lake Charles.

Stella reminisced about her mom: “She was a teacher who believed in education that included the arts. She made sure I went to the symphony and participated in or went to cultural events throughout the city.”

The Black Heritage Gallery (BHG) started in 2001. The Junior League of Lake Charles and the BHG invited patrons to become involved, and there was a large showing of support. Over the years, they gained partners like McNeese State University and Southern University art departments.

“Since 2001, the gallery has significantly increased attendance and has featured over 200 artists who would have no place to show their work or very few opportunities. The gallery opened with a grant from Junior League with the Negro League Baseball exhibit. The Black Heritage Gallery recently moved to 1911 Historic City Hall with the opening of The Help in December of 2019. The gallery has the largest number of people attending the opening receptions in the building,” Stella explained.

Reflecting on the arts scene in the area, she said that it’s alive and vibrant, and she’s noticed that more people are attending opening receptions and visiting galleries throughout the area.

Stella’s favorite local restaurants: The Kitchen, Leonard’s, and Steamboat Bill’s Events that Stella loves in the spring/summer: Outdoor concerts like Downtown at Sundown and events like Meet me at the Market.

Top Things that Stella Recommends: Black Heritage Gallery, downtown Lake Charles, Sam Houston State Park, casinos, and she’s looking forward to the pocket park honoring music legend Nellie Lutcher.

Black Heritage Gallery

“The main goal for the gallery is to lead a diverse audience in discovering African American artists and to nurture artists at all stages of their career,” Stella remarked.