The Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, Calif., put the exhibition together in 2018, asking artists to use Kahlo herself as a theme, her garden, her Mexican culture and her fashion. The show set records at the Bedford Gallery before traveling to New Mexico, Florida, Alabama and Texas before coming to Shreveport.

It’s impossible for me to speak about every work I viewed; however, here are some highlights from the show. I enjoyed the pop surrealist piece “Eden” by Erica Branch. I was impressed with its whimsy and the irresistible owl perched above the main character.

Jennifer Psalmonds is one local artist who is making a colorful splash. Her art is fresh, energetic and fun — certain to brighten up anyone’s day (and living room!) Psalmonds enjoys using a wide variety of mediums but primarily uses acrylics and oil sticks in most of her work today.

On Friday, March 26, four critics will present the Critic’s Choice Award in each category – Visual, Literary and Performing Arts. The selected artists will receive a $2,000 commission toward a solo show presented in the coming year, and once again, the critic returns to review the entire body of work.