Meadows Museum to Highlight Emerging Louisiana Artists

Poster for Focus Gallery

SHREVEPORT, La. — Six contemporary working Louisiana artists will be featured in "Focus Gallery: Louisiana Artists at the Crossroads" at the Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College. The exhibit will be featured at the Museum until April 14.

Artists whose work will be featured include:

Marcus Akinlana, New Orleans, painter, muralist and public artist whose public commissions include a public art installation for the Philadelphia International airport and Shreve Memorial Mooretown Library
Gus Bennett Jr., New Orleans, photographer whose works have been featured on the cover of Essence magazine
Sheleen Jones-Adenle, New Orleans, sculptor whose work has been described as "disarming with quiet dignity and honesty." She teaches art in the public schools of New Orleans.
Frank Kelley Jr., Monroe, painter whose work is currently featured in "The Color Purple" visual art exhibition in conjunction with the Los Angeles presentation of the stage play produced by Oprah Winfrey
Jamar Pierre, New Orleans, painter who is the commissioned poster artist for the 2007 Essence Music Festival, an international music event produced by Essence magazine
Phoenix Savage, Campti, sculptor, uses sculpture to speak to the African-American experience through the lens of her family and community

"They will explore the perspectives on career paths, creative methods/techniques and the community impact of the visual arts," said Leia A. Lewis, Meadows Museum educator.

During the show's run, there will be Artists' Circle events to bring artists and locals together. "These are Louisiana artists on the verge of breaking through and achieving national recognition," said Meadows Director Diane Dufilho.

The Meadows Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from noon until 4 p.m.; Thursday from noon until 5 p.m.; and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 318.869.5169.

If you go...

WHAT	"Focus Gallery: Louisiana Artists at the Crossroads."
WHERE	Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport.
UPCOMING EVENTS All will be held at the museum, are free and will include refreshments.
2-3 p.m. Feb. 17	artists reception and forum facilitated by exhibition curator Kara Olidge.
9:30 a.m.-noon. Feb. 18	Docent training with Kara Olidge.
2-3 p.m. Feb. 18	Artists' Circle with Phoenix Savage, Sheleen Jones, Frank Kelley Jr. and Jamar Pierre.
2-3 p.m. April 6	Lecture by artist Gus Bennett.
2-3 p.m. April 7	Artists' Circle with Gus Bennett
2-3 p.m. April 13	Lecture by Marcus Akinlana
2-3 p.m. April 14	Artists Circle with Marcus Akinlana.
REGULAR HOURS	noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday noon-5 p.m. Thursday 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
INFORMATION	call 318-869-5169
COST	Free and open to the public