Monthly Art Walk spotlights art, downtown

Art is defined as “the expression and application of human creative skill and imagination,” but it is much more. Art is emotion. Art is humanity. Art is that indescribable feeling we get when we get lost in a painting, picture or sculpture.

Thanks to the Downtown Development Authority and the plethora of artists in the Shreveport-Bossier area, more art than ever has been brought downtown during an aptly named Art Walk. The Art Walk takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. November will be the third Art Walk since the event launched in September.

Executive director of the Downtown Development Authority Liz Swaine said the Art Walk has been in talks for a while.

“We have been talking about it for a couple of years,” she said. “Many other cities do it, and they’re fun. They showcase artists and buildings downtown. It really brings out people who may not usually come out.”

Swaine said the Downtown Development Authority chose to hold the Art Walk on Wednesday nights because it is a neglected day.

“Weekends are full of life, so we wanted to bring life to Wednesday nights,” Swaine said.

The Art Walks in September and October were very well received, Swaine said. She said she believes it is a combination of many aspects of the downtown arts district.

“It’s a combination of neat buildings people get to go in that they usually don’t,” she said. “I don’t think people realize that.”

Swaine said any building downtown is open to showcasing art and their building during the Art Walks.

Local artists not only share and showcase their art, but they have the opportunity to sell it to those interested in adding that little something extra to their home, work space or as a gift to someone who would truly appreciate and love it.

“Think local,” Swaine said. “Buy local. There’s no reason anyone should buy a painting or a work of art from anywhere else, and to be able to see people supporting the artists is amazing.”

Swaine said people may not be aware of the depth of artists there are in the community.

“There are so many artists that we could have different artists every month,” she said. “That’s the depth of talent in the area.”

Artist Larry Taz Sanchez showcased his work in the October Art Walk and will be in November as well.

Sanchez said he paints acrylics and does wood carvings. For the November Art Walk, he will be doing some wood carvings of animals and skulls to celebrate Dia de los Meurtos.

Sanchez said the Art Walks are a great thing for the community.

“I think it’s going to boost the art scene,” he said. “It was kind of a wellkept secret. No one knew how big the art community was.”

Meeting new people is one the things that makes the Art Walks fun, Sanchez said.

“I look forward to meeting new people, sharing art and having fun,” he said.

Swaine went on to explain that this is not an event only for adults. Children can also enjoy the event, and parents should embrace it.

“It is an opportunity to expose children to art,” she said. “You can’t expose children to art young enough.”

Swaine said there are also hands-on activities for children to participate in every month; however, a few venues require individuals to be 21 years or older.

The Art Walk is important to the community, Swaine said.

“That’s how we grow as a community, as a city – engaging the next generation,” she said. “We just want to engage the entire city.”

Art Walks are here to stay, Swaine adds, no matter the circumstance.

“There will be an Art Walk no matter the weather – rain, shine, cold, hot,” she said.

Swaine said she believes everyone will enjoy the Art Walks.

“People will be amazed with what they see,” she said.

With all the hype – for good reason, you must be intrigued.

At the Art Walk on Nov. 2, the stops include Artspace, Parish Taceaux, SUSLA Museum of Art, Marlene Yu Museum, Crystal Stairs, Lofts @ 624, Minicine, Central ARTSTATION and Korner Lounge.

So mark your calendars every first Wednesday of the month to attend the newest thing in downtown. You won’t regret it. Adults, children, artists – everyone – will have a blast in a way few other events can offer.

Get up off the couch. Netflix will still be there (I know, I know), but you can watch Netflix every other night during the month. With the Art Walk, though, there is only one night a month to experience what the artists and building owners have and can show you. Not only will you get to stare at a piece of art and contemplate what it means to you, how it makes you feel, but you will bring the community closer together.

– April S. Kelley