Long Distance: Erika Katayama – May 2012 issue

Here: Master’s degree candidate in art history at LSU; various positions with the Louisiana State Museum, LSU Museum of Art and Manship Theatre
There: Registrar, Oklahoma City Museum of Art

I came to Baton Rouge pre-Katrina to help open the Louisiana State Museum at Capitol Park. I subsequently attended LSU while continuing my museum job, completing a master’s degree in art history. I then worked for both the LSU Museum of Art and the Manship Theatre.

I left Baton Rouge in February of last year to accept the job in Oklahoma City.

I miss the friendliness of the people, the food and my close friends.

What don’t you miss about the city?
The pervasiveness of racism that I witnessed and experienced.

What does Oklahoma City have that Baton Rouge lacks?
A Triple-A baseball team, an NBA team—Thunder Up!—and an AHL hockey team.

When was the last time you visited?
I just visited in March for a dear friend’s wedding.

I have to see my friends, get a handmade chocolate at Strands, eat at Chelsea’s Café at least once, drink an Abita at Red Star Bar, and maybe check out what my colleagues have been up to at the Louisiana State Museum downtown and LSU Museum of Art.

A great job, better pay and cheaper housing.

My student loans helped me further my career as a museum professional, but I will be making payments for years to come. I am passionate about the arts community in Baton Rouge and greater Louisiana. A chance to return to this dynamic place with some kind of boomerang fund would be something I would definitely consider.