By - LIZ SWAINE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Three years ago, I sat in a conference room filled with a group of art people to talk about what we needed to do to start an artwalk in downtown Shreveport. These walks feature offices and lobbies, retail stores and restaurants, filled with everything from artists displaying their wares to live performances to hands-on crafting opportunities. The art people in the room thought it was important for Shreveport to have a regular artwalks, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) agreed to do it. Three years and dozens of artwalks later, we are glad that we did. We have also learned a few important things that we plan to put into play in 2020. In March, our 2020 artwalks will move from the first Wednesday to the first Thursday, March 5, from 5-8 p.m. Each first Thursday, you can come downtown knowing that we will have a fun event ready and waiting for you and your family.
It is important to note that in the initial meeting about creating the artwalk, the DDA was the odd one out. We are definitely not “art people,” but though we don’t create art or teach artists, we see the benefit that art, artists and art-related activities bring to our downtown. We figured that the art and artists could draw attention to our amazing downtown architecture and get people into buildings and businesses. The artwalk was also a great way to remind people — as they were popping into Rhino Coffee or walking through a reception and exhibit at SUSLA’s Museum of Art or touring a stylish apartment at The Standard 509 — that our downtown is a pretty awesome place to live, work and play and is probably very different from the last time they have seen it.
At any given artwalk, you will tour multiple interesting and historic spaces, meet dozens of artists selling paintings, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, scarves and other handmade items. You will be able to stop and listen to live music, enjoy food and drink specials at restaurants and bars along the way, stroll through remarkable exhibits at multiple art galleries and venues. You will be treated to a short talk on some of downtown’s fascinating history and try your hand at sketching a building. Will James or his alter-ego Ray Sprague will perform snippets of live theater and Andronicus ClownthaDancer Scott will move in ways that will have you wondering just how flexible one person can be. Depending on the month, you might be able to adopt a puppy, get your photo snapped, have your Tarot cards read or your caricature done. It’s easy to take part. Simply come to one of the artwalk stops and go from there. On March 5, artwalk will include The Standard 509 apartments, Norsworthy-Bailey Gallery, the Remington Suites Hotel, Spring Street Museum, Shreve Memorial Library, Noble Savage Tavern and several other fun locations. Show up at any location on that walk, pick up an official artwalk map listing all the stops, artists, events and specials and go from there! For more information, you can also check in at downtownshreveport.com/artwalk or look for the downtown artwalk event on Facebook. It’s a great event; a fun outing for the whole family. We look forward to seeing you artwalking in downtown Shreveport!
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE February 28 ISSUE OF THE INQUISITOR