The February 6th artwalk was a blast- balmy, spring-like temperatures, music, live poetry readings, history, a chance to try your hand at sketching the city, live dance, tasty drink and beverage specials, FOUR special exhibits and lots of talented artists for you to talk to, get to know and purchase one-of-a-kind items from. Scroll down to see some of the fun, and be sure to mark Wednesday, March 6 on your calendar. That’s the date of our NEXT Downtown Artwalk!
First, some of the art and artists-
Artist Ben Humphrey tells a group of artwalkers about his work.
A work of artist Faith Green.
Locally- sourced wooden bowls at the booth of artist Faith Green.
Wood art by Kimberly Gable.
Artist Bertha Harris in the foreground preparing to make a sale.
Artist Kim E. Rogers showing off some of her wares.
Artist Faith Green talking to a customer.
Art (and Artwalk) fans Gilliam Maricle and Rusty Dugas checking out one of the booths.
One of the works of artist Kim E. Rogers
Artists Robert Trudeau and Star Williams talking to artwalkers.
Poet David Love Lewis doing a live literary reading at At Home Academy Test Prep in the Lofts. Caddo Parish Poet Laureate Ashley Mace Havird brought in three poets to conduct readings!
Street dancer Andronicus Scott was a hit in front of 620 Texas Street.
Exhibits-
Southern University Museum of Art-Shreveport (SUMAS) held a reception for 40-year photographer Bennie Dotie and the opening of his ‘Reflections’ exhibit.
One of Dotie’s photographs, taken over 40 years while working locally, many of those years was with the Shreveport Sun newspaper.
Friends, family and fans of photographer Bennie Dotie.
The reception at the Marlene Yu Museum/Rainforest Art Foundation was for Radiant Birds, a fabulous exhibit of the radiant birds found in nature. A fun part was getting to imagine what the birds might be saying and post it on the wall under them!
This guy was a special favorite. I think we can see why.
Sketching-
Each month, AIA/LAF architect Mischa Farrell gives anyone who would like the opportunity to do some architectural sketches. It is great fun- free and open to all. It also is a great way to learn about downtown buildings and architectural design in general.
This isn’t all of the artwalk, it’s just all I had time to shoot. SO much more was going on, from exhibits at artspace, the works of Marlene Yu, great food and drink specials at Parish Taceaux and Abby Singer’s Bistro and a chance to see a beautiful historic rehab and the works of artist Jason Phipps at 620 Texas Street- Magee Resource Group. We thank ALL for coming, participating and loving our culture, creativity, art and downtown!
We LOVE first Wednesdays! Our February Downtown Artwalk is coming together in a BIG way. It will roll on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 5-8 p.m. Here’s a taste of what you will see-
ARTSPACE– 708 Texas- Two exhibits- On the Margins by Ben Moss & Jeormie Journell and Seizing the Light by Tamara Robertson. Music by Twang Darkly, and Theatre School of Dance performances throughout the evening. Also at artspace, artists Kegan Kidd, Lisandra DiLiberto Brown, and Paige Powell. Pick up fun Mardi Gras items at Louisiana Specialty Products and try the ice cream and special Valentine’s treats by Sweetport.
Parish Taceaux– 708 Texas. Stop by PT for some ‘artful’ food and beverage offerings! For the night, they will feature a special General Tso Taceaux and King Cake Daiquiri. We don’t know what ingredients are in either but they both surely do sound good.
One of the works by Bennie Dotie
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART-SHREVEPORT–
Opening Reception -Black History Month Exhibit. Photographer Bennie Dotie. ‘Reflections’ – 40 years of works highlighting historic, cultural, and community events and individuals throughout Shreveport-Bossier.
Times’ Story on Dotie’s Exhibit
MARLENE YU MUSEUM/RAINFOREST ART FOUNDATION
Drop by the Marlene Yu Museum at 710 Travis Street to celebrate the most colorful flock of Radiant Birds ever! The reception is the night of artwalk and all are invited to attend.
Magee Resource Group– 2nd Floor, 620 Texas Street. Go up the elevator and exit at a beautiful floor recently rehabbed in one of downtown’s cool historic buildings. Take a tour of the lovely space and see the work of Jason Phipps.
Lofts at 624– 624 Texas St.
A work by artist Robert Trudeau
LOBBY ARTISTS
Bertha Harris
Robert Trudeau
Faith Green
Tobby Smith
Kimberly Gable
Canaan Conque
Paul Russo
Brittani Philips
Kim E. Rogers
Nicola Medley Ballard
ON THE MEZZANINE–
Celia Bordelon Carr
A work by Uriah Joseph Oxford
Adam King
Trevor Van Eaton
Deborah Fausto
Maggie Molisee
Lisa Cook Marshall
Uriah Joseph Oxford
Ben Humphrey
Josh Brittian
AT HOME ACADEMY TEST PREP on the Mezzanine
Readings by Literary Artists
5:30 p.m.- Melissa Fowle
6:45 p.m.- David Love Lewis
7:15 p.m.- Crystalyn Whitaker & Melvin Nelson (idioM)
Robinson Film Center/Abby Singer’s Bistro– 617 Texas Street
Extended Art Walk Happy Hour until 8 p.m. Half-price select apps, $5 select wine and martinis, $4 call.
History in 5 with Liz Swaine and Sketch the City with architect Mischa Farrell- 6:20 p.m.
Location to be Announced.
The Artwalk is free and all ages friendly, and we can pretty much guarantee that you will love it. Check back for updates!
Are you an artist interested in participating in upcoming Downtown Artwalks? Download an artist application here: MS Word or PDF. Fill it out and email it to us at dda@downtownshreveport.com!
Don’t forget to include some great photos of your work!
Want to know what zones are where?
Take a look at the full Downtown Artwalk Zone Map!
