My second long but scenic trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to participate in the Calcasieu Orchid Society Show and Sale took place this past October (2018). Louisiana has national parks throughout the state, so just about any route you take gives you a chance to enjoy seeing vast forests. 2018 was only the second year that this orchid society has ever hosted an orchid show, so I can safely say I have attended every one of Calcasieu Orchid Society’s shows.

This year was extra special with Trudy accompanying me and sharing the driving and the southern Louisiana hospitality. Keith and Penny Joiner were our gracious hosts, inviting us to stay in their amazing home – a home that could put some museums to shame.  You can see photos of the Joiners’ home in a story the American Press ran on October 21, 2018.

My most recent painting is of an orchid grown by Keith Joiner, who is a prominent orchid grower in the Southwest U.S., and the recipient of many AOS awards. I gifted the original of the painting to the Joiners, and had limited edition prints of it available at the show. This particular orchid is a cross named after his and Penny’s daughter. The colors in it are absolutely spectacular.

The Calcasieu show is a particular favorite of mine. The people are so friendly, and I love their enthusiasm and support for protecting orchid habitats. I consider it a true privilege to be part of the Calcasieu show. And I am particularly proud of the fact that Keith and Penny Joiner own the largest collection of my prints.  One whole wall in their master bedroom is devoted to my art.