The End of a Great Year for River Oaks

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River-Oaks_DSCF0745-web“We like to end the years with some of our most fabulous events, and 2014 is no different,” says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. “Our Van Gogh Fundraiser is always one of the highlights of the year and this year’s event surpassed all fundraising goals and set a new record in attendance–especially in the new attendee category. I would like to thank all star artists and attendees, and welcome those that had never been to River Oaks before. I would hope that we have touched the hearts and lives of everyone with art and that you will come back often.”

 

In the same spirit, Tioga native Steve Martin is headlining the lineup of exhibits for December with his show titled “Coloring Outside the Lines”. Martin, whose ancestors include Andrew Jackson, Jim Bowie, and antebellum architect David Weeks, rediscovered his passion for art in 1993.  His unique style completely abandons straight-line theory and instead uses a continuous line to explore figurative representation. Martin says, “Today, we are under a visual assault from all sorts of disturbing images.  I feel that art should uplift the soul and elevate the spirit.  This is my message and I use the human form as my messenger.”

 

River-Oaks_DSC_0267-webArtist Shelly Strange has more immediate ties to architecture and her show “Strange Creations” will be exhibited in the Galerie des Amis. “I think of my ceramic work as functional art. My chosen profession in the field of architecture also reflects my love for creativity,” says Strange. “I like to experiment with glazes and enjoy sparking the public’s interest in this fascinating and ancient form.”

 

Finally, a special treat waits in the Stokes-Harris Gallery, where students of the John Eskew and Pecan Grove Project present their amazing works. “Since 2010, the River Oaks Outreach Ceramic Project has provided nearly three hundred sessions of visual art lessons to developmentally disabled clients between ages 17 and 35,” says River Oaks Artistic Director Aubrey Bolen. “We provide them with a positive expressive outlet, teach them basic art techniques and the results are stunning. This is one of my favorite projects, because the results are so powerful and surprising at the same time.”

 

River-Oaks_a3-webAn exhibit opening reception is scheduled for Friday, December 5th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at River Oaks.  Remaining in the holiday spirit, River Oaks’ Annual Porch Sale will commence the following day on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00am until 3:00pm. Featuring art from over 150 artists, the Porch Sale has been a holiday shopping staple in Central Louisiana for many years. Featured will be live demonstrations by renowned artists such as Randy Brodnax, Nippy Blair, Jeff Stephens, Veretta Garrison-Moller, Karen Morrow, Dana Manly, Sharon Furrate, Sue Karr Boagni, Janet Ahrens, Barry Owen, and Judy Ginsburg. Choo Choo Alex will be available for rides and Mark Rosenthal’s signature chili will be served.

 

“Of course we are planning to make 2015 even bigger and better, and I can’t wait to tell you about it,” says Dauzat. “We have our thirty year anniversary behind us; time to dial it up for another thirty years!”

 

For more information, contact River Oaks at (318) 473-2670.