The Blog

On June 15, 2018, The Hilliard University Art Museum at the University of Lafayette will be presenting an exhibition on the legacy of A. Hays Town honoring the 50^th anniversary of the Art Center of Southwestern Louisiana. Dr. Carol McMichael Reese, architectural historian and professor at Tulane University’s School of Architecture, curated the event with the help of faculty, students and professionals from across the state of Louisiana (and even our very own Kevin Harris).

Hays Town was a residential architect for 70 years who gave “Louisiana Style” a new meaning. Though he began his career in the modernist sector of architecture, his later career focused on creating breathtaking homes based on the historical architecture of the American South. At this exhibit, drawings, furnishings, photographs, models and archival records of Hays Town will be on display for the public to view.

Known for his use of a variety of historic motifs, drawing inspiration from French, Spanish and Caribbean styles, Hays Town’s single-family homes were the picture of classic, creole elegance. He perfectly paired recovered materials such as cedar beams and heart-pine flooring with antique furnishing and decorative fixtures, which is still a trend many Louisiana homes still employ.

Hays Town was also known for the relationships he built with his clients. The exhibition will emphasize the importance of this social element on his career with a video featuring original clients and second-generation owners who take pride in caring for Town’s legacy.

The late Hays Town was not only a mentor to a young Kevin Harris but also a great friend throughout his career. When Kevin was asked if he would take part in the video, he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to speak candidly about his love for the work of his dear friend. He also supplied many of the HABS (Historical American Building Survey) drawings that will be featured throughout the exhibition.

If you are interested in viewing the exhibition, please visit The Hilliard Museum website or call (337) 482-2278. The Hilliard University Art Museum is located at 710 East Saint Mary Boulevard, on the campus of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Museum Hours are: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed Sunday and Monday. General Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors (62+), $3 Students (5-17). FREE for Members, UL Students/Staff/Faculty with identification, and visitors under 5. Guided tours of the galleries are available Friday & Saturday at 2 PM, complimentary with admission.

The program will be running from June 15 to Dec. 29, 2018.

© 2018 Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC

Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC designs custom homes to satisfy, support and sustain our client’s best life, to be an authentic expression of their site, lifestyle and culture, while remaining rooted in history and expressive of the times. For more information on Kevin or the firm go to www.kevinharrisarchitect.com.