Art is ubiquitous; it exists everywhere. Art is fashioned from perspective. Art is in the eye of the Reveler and we intend to help you create lasting, memorable experiences at Red River Revel 43! The Red River Revel Arts and Music Festival is the social event of the fall in the Ark-La-Tex. Revelers enjoy a full week of visual and performing arts, culinary delights, headline concerts, hands-on and interactive activities, and to support the numerous local non-profit organizations operating a food booth or activity that supports arts education or funds a social service or program.
In 1976, the ladies of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier created and named the Revel then gifted it to the citizens of the area. More than half of the 2018 visual artists are women; 60% of the non-profit food booths are chaired by women; the Festival Production Committee consists of nine strong, dedicated women; 13 of 23 board members are women; and two of the three Shreveport Farmers’ Market staff members and the manager are women. We are not disregarding men, they are an integral part of the festival as well, but the influence of women on this major event cannot be ignored and should be celebrated!
As you browse the many amazing artists’ booths, make a point to see these Louisiana artists who will be showing this year:
Don Cobb
Don Cobb is a self-taught Shreveport artist who paints watercolor art on paper and acrylic art on gallery-wrap canvas.
After retiring from the Shreveport Times in 2007, Cobb wanted to share his artwork with others. The Red River Revel Festival gave him the exposure to do just that. “A major factor in what makes the Red River Revel such a great festival is that the Revel organization, staff and volunteers go beyond the call of duty to make sure everything is perfect for all their vendors,” says Cobb.
Ron Atwood
Homer, La. based wildlife artist, Ron Atwood, is a Revel regular. “I look forward to the revel every year. Over the years I’ve had many return customers. Each year I look forward to meeting new customers and seeing all my artist friends. I love visiting with people in my booth.
The Revel staff is accommodating and hospitable to the artists. It’s the best venue for exhibiting my artwork. The food, people and Revel staff make the experience very enjoyable. It’s the only show I do. In the past I’ve done lots of shows and art festivals and none compare to the Red River Revel,” says Atwood.
Candice Alexander
Candice Alexander is a Louisiana artist who realized her artistic dreams at the age of 11 in the very small town of Panchoville, La. She has an eclectic style, with roots in graphic design and printmaking. Alexander has traveled the world for inspiration and has sold her creations from the bayou to New York City and back again. She looks forward to the Revel every year.
“The Red River Revel is hands down the best show I have ever done in my career as an artist! Every year I look forward to bringing a few tons of my best work to Shreveport to the Revel! Out of the 8-9 shows we participate in a year I can say without a doubt the folks near and around Shreveport support the arts! I will be celebrating nearly 10 years this year and we are thrilled to also sponsor the Revel. I can also say that the Red River Revel has some of the most accommodating people that put on the show.”
Lauren Ross
As a Shreveport native, Lauren Ross is no stranger to the Red River Revel. She grew up skipping around through artists’ booths and dancing on stages for most of her childhood. Her mother was the Revel hospitality chairman for years and Ross spent hours volunteering for the nonprofit. Three years ago, Ross decided to take on her art career full time and last year finally applied as an ARTIST to the Revel. According to Ross, “It was one of my favorite and most successful experiences as an artist to date. I did only a half of a week last year but this year I’m coming back bigger and staying a full week. I cannot wait.”
Look for Lauren Ross’ pop art “ICONS,” big and small, plus some other hand painted items.
Revel 43 will be open Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, October 7. Have your face painted, pose for photos, play with street performers, boogie to the tunes, climb a rock wall, grab a drink — have a blast! Whatever your reason for Reveling, we welcome you to explore our site, meet our artists, taste delicious festival foods, and hang out at our stages. You will want to stay to hear and see the next talented performers offering excellent entertainment. You do you at Revel 43!
Visit redriverrevel.com for more information.