Shreveport Welcomes Colorful Murals at New Amazon Fulfillment Center
Shreveport, Louisiana – The local community has a new reason to take pride as over 1,300 Amazon employees now report to the newly opened SHV1 fulfillment center, which launched in September. This facility is set to become a model for Amazon’s future projects, thanks in part to the artistic contributions from three Louisiana State University at Shreveport (LSUS) graduates.
Local artists Victoria Pouncy, Cassidy Adams, and Bailey Harris collaborated to create captivating murals that celebrate Louisiana’s unique culture and scenery, making the fulfillment center a vibrant welcoming space for both workers and visitors.
A Community Focus
“I’m still getting used to the fact that my artwork is in a building like that,” said Pouncy, who graduated from LSUS this past spring and has extensive experience in the local art scene. “The team was really big on producing something for the local community and to represent the talent that local artists have.” Pouncy played a vital role not just as an artist, but also as a project manager, ensuring everything ran smoothly during the mural’s creation.
Artistic Inspiration
Among her contributions is a depiction of Louisiana’s state bird, the pelican, alongside the state flower, the magnolia, as part of the mural titled “Shreveport With Love.” “I worked from the theme ‘Magnolias and Pelicans,’” she stated, highlighting the deep connection to local symbols.
Adams, another LSUS Spring 2024 graduate, contributed a piece that embodies aspiration. “I wanted the girl to be able to build her own future,” she explained, referring to her artwork that features a girl writing in a notebook with the encouraging words “Dream Big.” The mural includes doodles of flowers that resonate with local gardens, including nods to the American Rose Center.
Meanwhile, Harris focused her artwork on healthy eating, presenting a comic strip-style portrayal of children enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, accentuating Amazon’s commitment to fresh food delivery.
A Growing Network of Local Artists
The collaboration among these artists not only produced an eye-catching mural but also strengthened their ties to the Shreveport art community. “This is the first Amazon facility to do something like this, and they want to try and incorporate it in all of their future facilities,” noted Adams, highlighting the innovative approach that Amazon is taking.
During her time at LSUS, Pouncy stated that the university offered her a platform to explore a blend of traditional and digital art, opening up new avenues for her creative pursuits. With her other commitments including a job at the Shreve Memorial Library and a solo art show, she remains active in the local art scene, advocating for fellow artists. “Everybody needs to go see local art and support local art because there are a lot of talented artists and musicians right here in Shreveport,” she emphasized.
A Positive Impact
The artistic enhancements to Amazon’s SHV1 center not only beautify the workplace, but they also represent a commitment to support the local culture. As more people filter into the facility daily, they will be greeted with an inspiring reflection of their community, reminding them of the rich traditions and talent that surrounds them.
Through these murals, Shreveport showcases its local artistry while paving the way for what other Amazon centers might look like in the future. It highlights the vital role that art can play in workplace environments and community integration.
