Ashley Edmonds

@Peggy

Hey it's Peggy! Art has always been apart of me. I remember sketching my first piece of artwork in my living room when I was 7 years old on a piece of notebook paper, and I couldn't be happier! I would draw on sticky notes and hang my artwork with a price around my dad's office. I've always loved creating artwork for myself and others. I am self taught, but I am grateful for the training and personal interest of many art teachers throughout middle school and high school. The love and desire to draw and create has never left me and it's something I look forward to doing the rest of my life.

BPCC Learning Commons

@bpcclearningcommons

The mission of the Bossier Parish Community College Learning Commons (LC) is to develop collections and services that support the Bossier Parish Community College mission. We provide the students, faculty, and staff with a caring learning environment with innovative and accessible resources and services that encourage and support educational goals to help build a community of engaged citizens.

Shana

@STADesigns

My artistic journey has always been tied to a unique perspective developed growing up in Northern Louisiana. As my father once observed, even as a small girl I possessed an unusual focus. His eyes were astonished on the things I drew for him to see from a 7yr old. Known for maturity beyond my years and an innate attention to detail, my work reflects the quiet observation and strong determination that have been my standout qualities since childhood. My art is as direct continuation of the focused little girl translating intense observation into the visual work you see today.

Stage Center and our School of Performing Arts

@stagecenterla

Stage Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, semi-professional community theater that aims to produce musicals and plays using professional and volunteer actors, advanced student actors, and other community-based artists at the highest caliber of professionalism and talent. In addition to our productions, we are dedicated to educating and preparing the next generation of theater lovers and theater makers through high-quality, multidisciplinary student arts programs, to enrich the lives of Louisianians. We aim to work on new material as well as retelling classic work to inspire and engage our community. Cultivating Community. Training Talent. Advancing Art.

Deborah

@DebFausto

You never know what can kick start a new passion, and I discovered my love for creating art by way of a professional career setback. My interest in painting began when I needed artwork for my new office. I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I just decided to paint something myself. The new job and office didn’t work out, but my love for painting stayed! I have been painting regularly since 2016, and I am entirely self-taught. Although I began my artistic adventure painting contemporary abstracts, I have been heavily inspired by the beauty of Louisiana’s more natural side over the past few years. While spending more time outdoors during 2020, I started painting butterflies, hummingbirds and wading birds. Much of my inspiration comes from the little creatures that are often residing in the backyard.

Noel Community Arts Program

@noelcommunityartsprogram

Mission and Vision: Founded in 2009, the Noel Community Arts Program (NCAP) is an initiative of Noel Memorial United Methodist Church dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and economic backgrounds discover and develop their talents through the arts. Our mission is to provide a safe and inspirational environment where creativity can flourish, fostering a sense of community and personal growth. Programs and Offerings: NCAP offers a wide range of art and music education programs, including individual lessons, outreach programs, and financial assistance scholarships. Our diverse offerings include: Art Classes: From painting and drawing to pottery and mixed media, our art classes cater to various interests and skill levels. Pottery Classes: Handbuilding Classes, Wheel-Throwing Classes, and Open Studio Pottery Groups. Music Lessons: We offer private music lessons in various instruments, tailored to the needs of each student. Community Outreach: We collaborate with local nonprofits to provide art and music programs to underserved populations, ensuring access to the arts for all. Art Camps: Our art camps for children aged 5-11 and 11-16 provide an immersive, creative experience during the summer months. Community Engagement: Our program serves the 30-block area of the Historic Highland Neighborhood, an under-resourced arts district in Shreveport, LA. We focus on reaching individuals who have not had access to traditional art and music education, making the arts accessible to everyone in our community. Events and Initiatives: Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG): A community project where individuals can donate art for display and access free art supplies. Community Mural Projects: Collaborative art projects that beautify our neighborhood and engage the community. Impact and Support: In 2023, NCAP served over 1,000 individuals through our outreach programs, doubling the number from the previous year. We are grateful for the support of organizations like the Noel Foundation, Inc., and the Grayson Foundation, as well as our community members who contribute to our fundraising efforts. Looking Forward: As we continue to grow, NCAP remains committed to enriching the lives of our community members through the arts. Our ongoing renovations and new program offerings reflect our dedication to creating a vibrant and inclusive arts environment. Join Us: Whether you’re a budding artist, a seasoned musician, or someone who simply appreciates the arts, NCAP welcomes you. Join us in our mission to cultivate creativity and strengthen our community through the transformative power of the arts.

Elizabeth

@E

I have always enjoyed art and love seeing others reactions to my work. I’m excited to explore new opportunities and make connections with my fellow artists.

Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet

@shreveportmetroballet

The mission of the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet is to educate the community in the art of classical ballet in a variety of venues, to enhance the cultural life of the community by presenting professional full-length ballets, and to provide opportunity and education for all interested and qualified dancers to showcase their talents in staged productions and lecture/demonstrations. Our Company is comprised of dancers from ages 10 through adult who are chosen each spring by open auditions. We also have dancers age 5-10 perform with us in our minor cast roles. Dancers gain valuable experience by being able to dance alongside the professional guest artists brought in each year for the performances. Guest artists have come from such ballets as the New York City Ballet, the Boston Ballet, the Houston Ballet, Ballet Oklahoma, and the San Francisco Ballet. Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet has the opportunity to reach out to the community in multiple platforms. The dancers host free school performances for elementary students and civic performances are held in the community at local libraries and other venues. SMB also partners with Volunteers of America to have the Chance to Dance Program to allow some of our local students dance with us in our spring performance after having dance classes after school with our Artistic Director. The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet has continued to grow through the years thanks to the support of the community and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. We are a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross-section of the community. SMB is supported by private and corporate donations, memberships, fundraisers, and grants, which enable the company to present professional quality performances each year.

Mason

@Mason

This is my story…

Playaz and Playettes, Inc

@ppi

Playaz & Playettes, Inc. (PPI) is a grass roots 501[c][3] non-profit charitable artistic educational corporation located in Shreveport, Louisiana’s historic low income community of Ledbetter Heights, also known as “The Bottom.”. Our organization was formed in 1997 within the Ledbetter Heights community. Ron Hardy has served as Executive Director since conception. Our mission as adopted by the board is: “Playaz and Playettes, Inc. exist to enhance the growth and development of our undeserved, low-income residents of Shreveport, LA through art and education. In 2004 we were awarded the prestigious Governors Art Award for “Outstanding Small Arts Organization in the State of Louisiana” from the Louisiana Division of the Arts. We received the “Unsung Hero’s Award” at the 2005 Faith Based Grass Roots Community Conference in Bossier City. We received “An Expression of Commendation from the Louisiana State House of Representatives” in 2002 for our community services as well as numerous local recognitions for our work. Playaz and Playettes Inc adopted the mission statement as follows: “Playaz and Playettes, Inc. exist to enhance the growth and development of our undeserved, low-income residents of Shreveport, La. through art and education. We are committed to the youth, as well as adults, of today for our future. We are dedicated to the financial empowerment of our community. We believe that the development and implementation of ideas and programs by the people and for the people is a step towards empowerment and self-sufficiency.” Through several innovative and diverse workshops, programs and festivals we hope to pioneer a pathway of possibilities, encouragement and hope to many in our community. We hold steadfast and accept as true the old, but not forgotten, proverbs “It takes a village to raise a child” and that “If you give a man a fish you will feed him for only one day; if you teach a man how to fish you will feed him for a lifetime”.