SRAC: A four-day symposium for artspace featuring nationally renowned critics, editors and reporters addressing the present and future of arts journalism, as well as events highlighting Northwest Louisiana artists and cultural resources, concluded Aug. 9. The critics represented the areas of arts, literature and performance. Events included a tour at Shreveport Common and the historic Noel Collection at the LSUS archives, accompanied by a reception featuring poetry readings by local writers. Included was Carlos Colon, Caddo Parish poet laureate. The symposium ended with the finale event for the 2013/2014 UNSCENE! Arts Residency Series. During UNSCENE! UNDISPUTED!, eight artist teams competed for a chance at $10,000 in prize money by producing collaborative works in front of a live audience.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
Membership Tea: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, in its second year of regrouping, held a membership tea Aug. 23 at the home of Judy Lenert. Various photo boards of the group’s activities surrounded the living area and cookies with the logo were among treats offered. The group supports Carla’s Haven, senior citizen events, the Boys and Girls Club and Christmas activities of the Salvation Army.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
Bengal Belles: The sixth annual LSU Bengal Belles luncheon featured the Chinese Bandits, the third string of the 1958 National Championship Team. It was held Sept. 18 at Sam’s Town. Also on the program were Dan Borne, the voice of Tiger Stadium, and Jim Engster, Louisiana Radio Network. Vendors sold LSU merchandise and live auction items included a football autographed by Coach Les Miles, Jimmy Taylor, Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova; helmets autographed by Cannon and Casanova; hat signed by the seven visiting Chines Bandits; and a LSU bench that converted to a picnic table.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
Husk and Hull: Wine Country Bistro, Great Raft Brewing and Slow Food North Louisiana partnered together to produce a delicious event combining three things many people hold most dear – beer, wine and cheese. The inaugural Husk, Hull and Rind was hosted Sept. 23 at the Great Raft Brewing Tasting Room and offered six stations where wine, beer and cheese experts created delectable flavor pairings and also shared details on the whys and hows of your taste experience. Each guest received a souvenir Husk, Hull and Rind glass to take home. The event benefited Slow Food North Louisiana.
–Mark Crawford
Treatment Celebration: A wine and cheese membership celebration for the Caddo-Bossier Cancer Foundation League was held Sept. 29 at the Anvil. The group is dedicated to making life easier for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. The league provides such assistance as transportation, lodging and personal items. They will also create Christmas baskets for patients.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
CADA: Reconstruction was the theme of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse’s annual dinner. Father Tom Weston was the guest speaker at the event held Oct. 1 at the Shreveport Convention Center. The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sarah Price, who was also event chair, and Judy Williams received the Wayne Drewry Award. The tables were decorated with paint cans filled with scarves and flowers. Caution lights and orange cones lined the walkway at check-in and several attendees wore hard hats. Ladders helped decorate the stage.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
Halloween Party: ARTSCARE returned Oct. 24 to artspace for a page-turning party of spinetingling delight. Live music, favorite brews, Scare-e-okee, costume prizes and a silent auction of artworks created from books were just a few of the activities.
–Mary Ann Van Osdell
To be included in OTS, email your high-res photos to [email protected] or mail photos, name and contact information to Editor at The Forum, 1158 Texas Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101.
(Photos are non-returnable. Must include a daytime phone number.)
Or contact Mary Ann Van Osdell at [email protected] or Mark Crawford at [email protected] for coverage.