When the cornerstone of The Bossier City Municipal Building was laid Nov. 13, 1926, it was of such importance that it made the front page of The Bossier Banner, which noted the hundreds of people in attendance.
It replaced the old town hall's wooden building and became a symbol of growth and proof that Bossier City was experiencing the "Roaring Twenties," in part because of the oil boom.
Today, the building still stands with so few changes that, “There is no question that someone from the historic period would recognize the old municipal building,” the National Register of Historic Places wrote when it recognized the building in 2002.
It no longer houses the city offices, a council chamber, a jail and a fire station as it once did. Since 1980, it has been home to The Bossier Arts Council, whose mission is described on its website as “dedicated to promoting, supporting, and providing cultural events and programming in order to enhance the quality of life and to develop a cultural identity for Bossier Parish.”
“My primary goal for BAC is to see it into its next season as a community staple that serves the cultural well-being of Bossier Parish through information, entertainment and opportunities,” Executive Director Birttany Pope said.
BAC recently hosted "The Beauty and the Ballot Box" in the East Bank Theatre on the second floor. It is a play about the Shreveport woman who owned and operated the Modern Beauty Shop through the Civil Rights era into the early 2000s. It provided an opportunity for first-time playwright Carolyn Jones and the actors involved.
“I think the BAC brings a very necessary space for local artists to get their start,” said Marketing Coordinator Alex Richardson, who said the theatre is priced to be accessible, which allows groups of any level to make use of it. “We work closely with everyone who comes to us for a show, an event or a project, with our goal being to help these artists grow, develop and flourish.”
“BAC stands as a local space that helps weave the cultural quilt that is Bossier,” Pope said.
“We make relationships with local businesses owners and personalities across our area, and many have become very close friends of mine,” Richardson said. “It establishes a strong sense of community.”
BAC’s largest fundraiser is the annual Artini event, with hundreds of hand-painted martini glass that people get to pick as a party favor.
“This vibrant event showcases a fusion of local artistry and culinary excellence, inviting guests to enjoy an evening of exquisite art exhibitions, live performances and signature martinis crafted by the region's top mixologists,” the BAC website said. This theme for 2024 is Rhinestone Cowboy.
To prepare, BAC hosts several martini glass painting events, some of which local artist Karen La Beau attends. She paints several glasses, but only a few have her signature blue crawfish on it. She participates because she believes in the mission and is a member.
As a member, she is thankful for the services BAC provides local artists, including photographing her paintings, which she thinks more than pays for the cost of the $35 membership.
“It's about the support that they give to the artists and the programs that they bring to the community,” La Beau said. “Art is a form of therapy. It enriches lives.”
BAC's programs include the following:
- Gallery Exhibition Spaces
- Emerging Artist Gallery
- East Bank Theatre
- Artist One Stop
- One Stop Individual Advisement
- Little Free Arthouse and Library
- Project Art Supplies
- Gift Shop featuring Local Artisans
- Community Festival Outreach
- Mobile Art Setup
“Any given day, one can wander in to get lost in the current artwork featured in our galleries, or hear the sounds of local performers rehearsing, and you do not have to travel to nearby larger markets to experience it,” Pope said.
If You Go - ARTini: Rhinestone Cowboy
- 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 8
- Sam's Town Hotel and Casino, downtown Shreveport
- Tickets include entrance to the event, a hand-painted martini glass, live music, catered food, and a myriad of Martinis from local restaurants and bars.
- Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at Eventbrite .
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Bossier Arts Council prepares for biggest annual fundraiser, ARTini: Rhinestone Cowboy
Most Popular
Comments / 0