The Downtown Art Alliance held its 3rd Anniversary last Thursday, featuring numerous artists from around Monroe.
The Downtown Art Alliance consists of a community of artists who have been dedicated to enhancing and revitalizing the Monroe and West Monroe historic riverfront business district.
The Downtown Art Crawl, which was held at various galleries around Monroe, kicked off at 5 p.m. It featured a diverse array of artists working with many different media including oil paints, water color, spray paint, charcoal, ink, metal, wood and clay.
The Downtown Art Crawl featured numerous galleries like the Sugar Gallery, Ouachita River Gallery, Mystic Gallery, Becton Gallery and Livaudais Studio.
Artists also displayed and sold their individual pieces at each gallery throughout the event. Live music was also provided at various locations featured throughout. Live performances were held by Lisa Spann and The Vidrines.
Artist and Sculptor Renee Copes was one of the artists featured in Thursday’s Art Crawl. Copes displayed several sculptures made from wood and oil paintings at Sugar Gallery. Copes, who displays her art professionally, is a West Monroe native. Copes is also an alumni of ULM’s art department.
“I encourage all my viewers to pick up and touch my artwork. I enjoy working with wood because of its lifelike qualities. It feels so alive and organic, which is why I encourage viewers to engage my artwork,” said Copes.
“I have two children, 17 and 9 years old, who also love art and I encourage them to indulge and embrace all forms of artwork,” said Copes.
Renee Copes is also scheduled to become a permanent feature at Sugar Gallery where her art will be on display. Copes’ upcoming show is entitled “Into the Golden Ming” in Dallas, Texas, February 2014 at the Fort Worth Museum, where she will be displaying some of her newest pieces.
Many people came out to participate in the festivities. For all of those who enjoy the arts, both visual and performing, the Art Crawl exhibited an atmosphere of an artist block party festival.
Food and drinks were provided to the public and alcohol was available for art appreciators over 21.
The event was free to the public and people were encouraged to bring their children and youth to help instill creativity in upcoming generations.
