For thirteen weeks, the City of Shreveport will welcome over thirty local artists to SPAR’s Red River District for the first ever Shreveport Artists’ Market, starting Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. In addition to the artists, Red River District tenants Hippie Baby and Appli-K’s will sponsor a children’s area with fun and engaging crafts, Mommy and Me yoga, and activities to promote summer reading.
The market will share its opening weekend with the Shreveport Farmers’ Market in Festival Plaza. The two markets will bring almost two hundred vendors to the Shreveport Riverfront, and attendees will be able to take advantage of both by riding on the free Market2Market shuttle, which will run from the east entrance of the farmers’ market to the Red River District. The shuttle is sponsored by the Shreveport Farmers’ Market.
Marissa Carbine, SPAR Event Coordinator for the Red River District, says, “Northwest Louisiana is rich with artistic talents and skilled craftsmen and women. We are excited to showcase these fascinating artists in their very own arts market.”
Unique to the Shreveport Artists’ Market is the involvement of the tenants of the Red River District. Courtney Gaston, owner of Hippie Baby, a natural parenting store, says, “We are excited to see more people in the Red River District and to provide a family friendly way to get out and enjoy the local artists.” Fully Stacked, Fatty Arbuckles and Nicky's will also offer specials for market-goers.
The tenant-sponsored children’s area will also feature a KidsCommerce area where young entrepreneurs will be able to sell their wares, from lemonade to jewelry. Definition Industries and Geaux Bubbles will also be on hand to promote weekly immersive activities.
Artists skilled in photography, pottery, jewelry and more will fill the open spaces of the Red River District while performance artists will take the stage. Carbine says, “We’ve received applications from a cappella groups to a jazz improv group. Our artists aren’t just limited to what you might expect. We will have it all.”
Carbine advises that space is still available and interested artists are encouraged to contact her for application information. You may contact her at 318.673.5115 or marissa.carbine@shreveportla.gov.
The Red River District is under the Texas Street Bridge, conveniently located next to the Eldorado parking garage with handicapped accessibility on both the west and east ends of the district.