A guide to the galleries, studios and shops of Southwest Louisiana's craftsmen.

To know a place is to know its people. What better way to get to know the people than to discover their art and those who create it?

In Southwest Louisiana, from the edge of the swamps to the breadth of the prairies, live a people whose life experiences have been the catalyst for some of the most beautiful art in the world. Explore the unique cultural heritages of the Cajuns, Creoles, Native Americans and cowboys of the area by visiting their galleries, studios and shops.

Travel through the back roads and scenic byways to the hidden caches of treasure and precious goods - intricately woven fabrics, graceful goblets, delicate jewelry, supple leather, scented oils and candles, a paradise of jams and spice, glass the colors of the rainbow and more! The I-10 corridor from Lake Charles to Lafayette offers a wealth of master craftsmen waiting to show their wares.

Visit with the artists and artisans as they share their knowledge, skills and stories. Remember - it is the people who will make this a truly memorable experience.

Craft Heritage Trail Sites

Lafayette:

Building Clay Studio 221 Constitution Dr., Maurice Tucked away on an unassuming suburban street, an inviting pathway leads you through Diane Pecnik's lush garden to the pottery studio in the backyard of her home, where you can view Diane's innovative ceramic pots and sculpture. Open Tues.-Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 984-0224, www.buildingclay.com

Garden Art 109-B Rena Dr., Lafayette This small shop is packed with a carefully chosen selection of pottery, bath salts, soaps, and sculpture by local craftspeople. Garden-related sculpture and pots are displayed outside in the cottage's tiny yard. Open Thur.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (337) 237-1005

Lafayette Art Gallery 412 Travis St., Lafayette A fine arts gallery with a selection of contemporary crafts, including glass, textiles, carved wood, and ceramic pieces, made by Acadiana artists. Open Tues.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 269-0363, www.geocities.com/lafayetteartassociation

Odell Pottery 625 Garfield St., Lafayette Bruce and Gay Odell invite you to their pottery studio and fine crafts gallery where you can experience the magic of the timeless potter?s wheel, feel the heat of flame flashing Raku firing, and enjoy the elusive copper reds and subtle celadons of functional stoneware. Bruce is a three-time U. S. Pottery Olympics Champion and 1992 World Champion Potter. They are located on Garfield Street in Lafayette just west of Johnson Street. (337) 268-4007, odellpottery@hotmail.com.

Pat and Suzanne Juneau 300 Andres Rd., Scott Colorful yard art and friendly dogs welcome you to the Juneau's studio and gallery in the countryside near Lafayette. Watch the Juneaus at work in their side-by-side studios and then visit their small gallery featuring Suzanne's sculptural jewelry and Pat's funky, vividly painted metal pieces. Open Wed., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 873-6295, www.psjuneau.com

Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery 219 E. Vermilion St., Lafayette A striking combination of historic architecture and fine crafts can be found at the Sans Souci. Constructed in 1885, this all-cypress structure serves as the home and gallery of the Louisiana Crafts Guild, displaying pottery, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, furniture and more. Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (337) 266-7999

Whoojoo Glass Studio 532 Jefferson St., Lafayette Craig McCullen creates and displays stained glass artwork in his studio/gallery. Whoojoo Glass also features glass kaleidoscopes and lamps by Phil Coghill and works by local artists and craftsmen. Open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (337) 269-9310

Wortman Pottery Studio and Showroom 1769 Potters Rd., Duson Since 1977, David and Emily Wortman have been creating functional stoneware that goes from oven to table and whimsical animal mugs, hooks, pumps, lamps and more on their farm in the rice fields. But don't let the country location fool you, the Wortman's large studio and elegant showroom are thoroughly modern. Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (337) 873-8584, www.wortmanpottery.com

Abbeville: Stockyard Saddle Repair/Swamp Ivory Creations 1307 S. Henry St., Abbeville For a true Cajun experience, visit the Richard's rustic studios in an old stockyard, listed on the National Historical Registry, along the Vermilion River. You can watch Kathy create alligator tooth and bone jewelry in a converted slaughterhouse or learn how Johnny makes his leather saddles and whips in the auction barn. Open Mon.-Fri., 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m., call ahead. (337) 893-5760

Arnaudville: Savage Studio 299 Odon Meche Rd., Arnaudville Winding roads and fields lead to this unique barn studio situated next to the charming home of artist Christie Savage, where handcrafted gourds, jewelry, ironwork and mosaics are available. Open Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 662-7226

Grand Coteau: The Studio Grand Coteau 193 Church St., Grand Coteau An eclectic mix of fine crafts and art elegantly displayed in a charming backyard shop. Owner Patricia Ryan chooses work by Louisiana artists, including ceramic pieces, handmade furniture and wrought iron. Open Sun. 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 662-6722

Morse: Simone Little Glass Studio and Gallery 441 Butterfly Rd., Morse Nestled in the natural beauty of the coastal prairie of southwest Louisiana, Simone Little's gallery features blown glass sculptures, Oriental watercolor paintings and photography. Open Tues.-Thur., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends by appointment. (337) 783-5747

Sunset: La Caboose 145 S. Budd St., Sunset Wander through a tangle of Louisiana plants to reach this rustic shop, an actual train caboose, where you can taste jellies and vinegars made from fruit and plants grown on the property. The shop also has a small selection of gourds and painted chairs for sale. Open Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 662-5401

Washington: Soileau's Cowhide Chairs 925 Highway 363, Washington A drive through the Cajun countryside brings you to Joe Soileau's rustic hide-curing studio, with cowhides drying in the sun and finished cowhide chairs, stools and rockers on display. If you ask, Joe will tell you how he learned from his father?s example the traditional art of selecting, curing and stretching cowhide. Open Tues., 2-6 p.m. and by appointment. (337) 826-3295, www.cowhiderugs.com

Jennings: The Zigler Museum Shop 411 Clara St., Jennings This little shop carries an extraordinary selection of beautiful handmade pine needle baskets, ceramics, jewelry, local literature, pottery and paintings by Louisiana artists, plus much more. An added bonus is the opportunity to visit the museum itself-home to many works of fine European and American art, as well as wildlife dioramas and revolving exhibits. Open Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1-5 p.m. (337) 824-0114