Bossier City Welcomes a Whimsical Arts Experience with Adena Helm’s Exhibition
If you’re looking for something exciting and unique in Bossier City, mark your calendars for October 4. You’ll get the chance to meet the talented artist Adena Helm at the opening reception of her exhibition titled Following Breadcrumbs. This event will take place at the Bossier Arts Council, located on 630 Barksdale Boulevard, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It promises to be an evening filled with incredible art and personal interaction with Adena herself!
A Glimpse into the Artistic Mind
If you’re wondering what her exhibition is about, you’re in for a treat. Helm’s work challenges how we perceive art and the stories behind it. She asks the audience thought-provoking questions: “Can you ever truly know the full story?” and “Does a painting without words create a complete narrative?” As you walk through the exhibition, you’ll discover how a simple shift in perspective can completely alter what you thought you understood.
Adena Helm calls her exhibition Following Breadcrumbs because it encourages viewers to explore deeper layers in her artwork. She invites us to wonder about the emotions and stories that can be expressed visually. “Can you feel the breeze? Can you see the sacrifice? Can you sense the fear?” These are all things that Adena emphasizes in her inimitable style.
Meet the Artist
Living in Benton, Louisiana, Adena Helm creates a dazzling mix of media—from stunning paintings to intricate clay sculptures. Her works often feature enchanting animals, faces, and mystical characters, all brought together with a sprinkle of whimsy. There’s a joyous narrative threaded through her creations, which often flow from her autobiographical cartoons. It’s clear that art has always been part of her life, a passion that she has embraced since childhood.
“I was fortunate that I was stubborn, and if someone didn’t like what I made, I didn’t care,” she shares with a warm smile. Now, she takes delight in inflicting joy through her art. “It starts off stinging, but then it’s like ‘ok, that was good’,” she explains her unique use of the term.
Art’s Transformative Journey
Before the pandemic, Adena aimed to capture moments through her paintings. However, her focus has now shifted towards revealing the stories threaded within those moments. She comments, “I love the idea that you have to shift your focus to see all that is going on in the work: going beyond ‘surface’. There’s more than meets the eye.”
Adena strives to create narratives that offer different viewpoints, like seeing the story from the “loser’s perspective” or that of the sidekick. “I think everyone can do this; they just have to practice,” she encourages. Helm believes that making art is a continuous journey; it’s not about reaching a destination but savoring the process of creation.
Art Every Day
Trade secrets? Adena doesn’t hold any back. “If I can’t get to a painting one day, I’ll work in my sketchbook. I make time for art every single day, and if I don’t do anything, I sketch every day,” she reveals. She believes that consistency is key to mastering any new medium. Just imagine the stories waiting to unfold on every canvas and clay piece!
Join the Celebration
The exhibition will be open to the public from October 1 through November 19, so even if you can’t make it to the opening reception, you can still check out Adena’s captivating art. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking to brighten up your day, her exhibition promises to inspire and challenge your perceptions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the enchanting world of Adena Helm. So grab a friend, and head over to the Bossier Arts Council—you might just find yourself following some creative breadcrumbs along the way!
