Art Meets Entertainment in Bossier City
Bossier City is buzzing with excitement! A new gaming destination, the Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, is not just bringing a thrilling experience for gamers; it’s also enriching the local arts scene. This $270 million venture recently unveiled its initiative to showcase the amazing talents of local artists, injecting a splash of Louisiana flavor into the casino’s design.
Local Artists Get the Spotlight
The folks at Live! Casino have teamed up with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) and the Bossier Arts Council (BAC) to spotlight twelve selected artists from across northwest Louisiana. Their works will adorn the walls of the pre-function area of the casino’s sprawling 25,000-square-foot event center. Quite impressive, isn’t it?
“I appreciate what the casino is doing for us,” said Lisandro Di Liberto Torres, one of the chosen artists. He emphasized how crucial representation is for local artisans, adding, “Having local artists represented in the space is going to give Live! Casino & Hotel a Louisiana flavor.”
The call for submissions attracted a whopping 62 artists, each of whom submitted original designs reflecting the vibrant culture of the region. “We had an open call and had 62 submissions,” explained Rebecca Bonnevier, SRAC’s executive director. The variety of visions that poured in was both dynamic and colorful, showcasing the rich artistic talent of the community.
A Creative Journey
Erica M. Branch, one of the selected artists, created a piece titled “Joie De Vivre.” This lively artwork captures a festive atmosphere, featuring bright colors and martinis, aiming for a chic, swinging party vibe reminiscent of the ‘60s. “I definitely wanted a mod, 60s kind of chic party vibe,” Branch shared, illuminating her creative process.
Other artists honoring the vibrancy of the area include those from Bossier, Caddo, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Sabine, and Natchitoches parishes. It’s a delightful mix of talent, but only twelve could be selected to leave their mark at this bustling location.
Behind the Selection Process
The selection of these artists wasn’t random; it was a thoughtful process. A panel of judges, including representatives from Live! Casino, seasoned artists, and art professionals, meticulously evaluated the anonymous submissions to determine the finalists. “We were truly inspired by the talent and vision of these local artists,” said John Chaszar, the general manager of Live!
Jenn Ryland, another excited finalist, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I cannot begin to express the amount of gratitude I have for being chosen as a finalist to display my own rendition of the Louisiana culture that is deeply embedded into the swamps and nightlife in our area.”
What’s in Store at Live! Casino & Hotel
Now, if you’re wondering what else this incredible project entails, buckle up! Live! Casino & Hotel is set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2025, offering more than 47,000 square feet dedicated to gaming and entertainment. Picture this: over 1,000 slot machines, more than 40 live-action table games, and a sportsbook – it’s a gamer’s paradise!
The hotel is equally impressive, with 550 upscale rooms featuring a resort pool, fitness center, and a considerable event center. With 30,000 square feet devoted to top-tier dining and entertainment options, the casino is poised to become a shining jewel of northwest Louisiana’s entertainment scene.
As the anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Live! Casino & Hotel is more than just a gaming destination; it’s a celebration of local culture, creativity, and community. Get ready, Bossier City, exciting things are just around the corner!
