BLOOM to feature art from around the world

Bring on BLOOM!

Spring has sprung! We are planting gardens and enjoying blue skies, breezes and birdsong. The season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Norton Art Gallery, where they are all about blooming, outside with their magnificent gardens and inside with their annual BLOOM exhibition.

BLOOM, in its ninth year, is bigger and better than ever. “BLOOM is an eclectic exhibition featuring artists of all ages and from all different walks of life. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the artists from the Shreveport-Bossier area as well as across the United States and the world,” says Emily Feazel, designer of exhibits and special events. “We’re thrilled for the community to see this year’s display.”

This year, 53 artworks were chosen from the 527 submissions from 29 states as far away as Washington and Connecticut, and from 22 countries, including Japan, Latvia, Greece, Nigeria and Canada, who are in the exhibit for the first time. The opening reception is Thursday, March 20, from 5-7 p.m.

“Bringing a painting from a cloistered, messy studio into the context of a curated space where every color, shape and light is thoughtfully arranged is the ultimate reward as an artist, says Emily Ezell, who is participating for the first time. “BLOOM is the show this region looks forward to as an artistic ritual to celebrate spring’s rebirth.”

BLOOM is an event for the whole family.

“Children absolutely love BLOOM!” says Emily Feazel, “The colors and interesting subject matter make the exhibition extremely accessible to both adults and children. Last year, a child who attended the opening reception yelled in the middle of the exhibition, ‘This is so beautiful!’ She then continued to tell anyone she could about her favorite pieces in the exhibition.”

Some of those children grow up to be artists, such as Neona Norwood, one of several high school artists on display this year. “Having one of my pieces chosen for BLOOM is so exciting. I’m still a student, but having my art displayed in the Norton — a museum I’ve been visiting since I was in the first grade — gives me a lot of confidence in my future as an artist.”

Attend BLOOM once, and you’ll become a perennial, as local business owners Katy Larsen of Agora Borealis and Ivy B. French of Ivy B. Photography can attest. “Each year, the Bloom exhibit brings such a wide variety of artwork from around the world into our local community, says Katy. “This not only enhances the art we are exposed to but also reinforces the idea that Shreveport has worthwhile things to offer.”

“Eve In Eden” by Janet Maines

“Hibiscus Blues” by Noah Bounds

Ivy is also a fan. “I love BLOOM because it brings the art community together to showcase the incredible talent we have and the incredible beauty of our scenery at one of my favorite places in Shreveport.”

Shreveport songwriter and musician Haley Brooke will return to share her soulful and calming voice as part of BLOOM’s opening reception. “I love being a part of BLOOM; this is something I have come to look forward to every year!

“There are so many interesting pieces in the exhibition this year along with different mediums like watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, mosaic and more!” adds Emily Feazel.

Two of those pieces are from artists Janet Maines and Hillary Frazier. “It really is an honor to showcase alongside talent from all over the planet,” says Hillary. “I love seeing how different artists from various walks of life interpreted the theme. I appreciate the time and care Emily and the Norton staff take to make the show come to life.”

Janet Maines is thrilled as well. “I was more than delighted that my work was juried into BLOOM It is always exciting to be a part of an exhibit in a gallery with such a reputation for excellence. Truly, more people need to see what the Norton has to offer.”

BLOOM is Thursday, March 20, from 5-7 p.m., at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, at 4747 Creswell Ave. Shreveport. The exhibition is free and open to the public and will run through May 18. For more information, visit rwnaf.org.