BOSSIER CITY, La. – Bossier Arts Council speaks on what to expect at Artini, why the event is so important
The fun fundraising event, Artini, provides resources for artists, art-focused events, and students in Bossier City. On June 8, Bossier Arts Council’s big fundraising event, Artini kicks off at Sam’s Town Casino. The event features music and artwork from artists in Shreveport-Bossier and a martini competition showcasing receipts from multiple local businesses.
Supporting the Arts Community
BAC’s marketing coordinator and artist, Alex Richardson speaks to ArkLaTex Artistry’s Brittney Hazelton about what to expect at the event and how important the event is to Bossier City. The event is more than just a fun community event; it is the biggest fundraiser for the Bossier Arts Council. Richardson explains that the event helps the nonprofit organization continue its work to provide art gallery shows for local artists, theatre productions, art-focused events, and art resources for students and their families.
He says volunteers and events like this are important for them to keep providing for the Shreveport-Bossier community. “We have been doing this since 2009, so we are over a decade now. The funding from Artini comes back through the arts organization here and helps us with programs, providing access to the one-stop for artists in our area, in providing arts programs and outreach for local kids, students, and families in our area. Basically, it allows us to have that extra funding to give back to the community,” says Richardson.
Richardson explains that all that BAC does is done primarily by only four people. “It’s four people in this building, putting together these galleries, putting together these plazas, putting together these rentals and theatre shows,” explains Richardson. “It’s a lot, and it’s a lot for us putting this event together, but it’s something we always look forward to.”
Featured Artist and Entertainment
Every year, a featured artist is selected to sell their work during the event, benefitting the council and the artist. This year’s artist is Rachel McDonald, a vibrant mixed media artist, painter, and graphic designer, whose themes feature horses and other southwestern animals with an old Hollywood western feel. The event will also feature Shreveport-Bossier musicians Jimmy Wooten, and DJ Faze.
Supporting Bossier Arts Council
If you are interested in following and supporting the Bossier Arts Council, visit their Facebook page at Bossier Arts Council Facebook.
