Press Release
Monday, April 30, 2018
Contact: Liz Swaine, 222-7403
Downtown Development Authority

May Artwalk & Shreveport Water Works Museum’s 131st Birthday: Two Great Events, Two Times the Downtown Fun 

May Downtown Artwalk- Wednesday, May 2, 5-8 p.m.

Nine different locations are gearing up for the big May Downtown Artwalk, an event appropriate for all ages. Start at artspace, 708 Texas Street, and (art) walk the 600 and 700 blocks of Texas and Travis and the 800 block of Texas Avenue, enjoying street musicians, dancers and painters along the way. At artspace, listen to ‘How I Do It’ talks by artists who will share some of their secrets. At the Marlene Yu Museum, view (and purchase) the art of Mico/Macro, at Minicine?, take in the opening of the Fauxtography Exhibit featuring works of Paige Powell, at the Southern University Museum of Art, enjoy a ‘Spirit of Motherhood’ reception and the art of Karen LaBeau.

In between are art stops at Tipitina’s, the Lofts at 624 (first and second floors) and 620 Texas Street (Magee Resource Group) featuring artists Robert Trudeau, Marijo Brown, Aidan McFarland, Bre Judge, Faith Green, Judy Doucet Cobb, Kegan Kidd, Melissa Gibson, Tobby Smith, Emory Dukes, Brittani Phillips, Carly Maxey, Karmen Reed, Sandy Park, Trevor Van Eaton, Lauren Ross, Jason Phipps and Kathryn Gaiennie.

Along with the art comes great night-of-artwalk food and drink specials at Parish Taceaux, Rhino Coffee and Robinson Film Center/Abby Singer’s Bistro! (Specials are listed on the artwalk map.) Artwalkers will also be given a map with ‘Be a Fan’ Specials unique to the Downtown Artwalk!

At 6:20 pm, our History in 5 talk focuses on poor sanitation, fire and the need for Shreveport’s first water treatment plant.  AIA Shreveport’s Sketch the City with architect Mischa Farrell will give artwalkers the opportunity to try their hand at sketching the Shreveport Water Works (now museum), for free! Both of these events happen at artspace, 708 Texas. Right next door, Parish Taceaux will be hosting a fundraiser for the Shreveport Water Works Museum from 5-9 pm. Come and say that you’re ‘there for the museum’ and a percentage of your bill will go to the water works!

For more information, go to downtownshreveport.com/artwalk/

Shreveport Water Works Museum’s 131st Birthday Party- Saturday, May 5, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Come party like a Victorian at the 131st birthday party of the Shreveport Water Works, now the Shreveport Water Works Museum! Lunch under the majestic oaks with food from a variety of food trucks including Farley Catering, UNEEDA Taco, Double D’s Food Trailer, Lumpia Pinoy- Filipino lumpia & egg rolls & hot dogs. Take part in Victorian party games, listen to live music, tour the water works and railroad museums, learn about Cross Bayou’s historic A-Truss Railroad Bridge, get up close and personal with critters from the Walter Jacobs Nature Park, find some treasures at the Silent Auction…and all the while, you’ll be supporting our historic Victorian-era water works.

Did we mention Victorian, as in Queen Victoria? Why, yes we did.

We are thrilled that Queen Victoria is going to be making the trek from her current home to the Water Works for a tribute and for a ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake at 2 pm. We will practice our royal waves and Sing ‘God Save the Queen’ to make her feel at home. All present will be feted with cake, courtesy of HRH (Her Royal Highness).

It’s going to be a great day for all ages. We throw the party but YOU get the present!

Friends of the Water Works will be selling water and soft drinks as a fundraiser for the museum. Admission to the event is FREE, and all ages are welcome. Parking is FREE and will be across North Common Street. A golf cart limo will be making the loop to pick up and drop off visitors.

Find out more at: downtownshreveport.com/party-like-a-victorian-with-us

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