Conchita Iglesias-McElwee & David Nelson bring the Love / Hate Show, the Peekers and new film from Darrin Martin to 846 Tex on Fri, May 1, 8 pm

Conchita Iglesias-McElwee, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

minicine? & Conchita Iglesias McElwee host a night of film, music and art, downtown Shreveport. Beginning at 8PM, Friday May 1st, 846 Texas Avenue, $5.

Film: New works by Darrin Martin (more info: www.swampland.org )

Art: The Love / Hate Show

Sara Hebert, Chris Jay, Conchita McElwee, Michael Moore, Tara Streetman, Robert Rodgers, Shane Thompson, Micah Harold, Brandon Jenkins, Courtney Harold, Shannon Palmer, Chad O' Kenievel, Chris Stripling, Jen Wasson, Sizer Yerger, John Bentrup, Aubre Bauer, Venus Sheets, Mallori Brandon, Megan Cardenes, Kandi Kane, Jamie Anderson, Shawna Atkins, Mimi and Donnie Webb, Bregon Webb, Alison Wonderland, Jeremy Hayes, BJ Wheless, Kathryn Usher, Dylan Hillman, Chris Beale, Amy Lynn Scott + more...

Music: The Peekers vs. Power Pellut

What more can we say!

Leland Strebeck & Conchita Iglesias-McElwee show new work at PrimaTazza: reception Sat, Jan 13, 2 - 4 pm

Skeleton on drums: Leland Strebeck / Strebeckart.com
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Between the Curtains is a two-person exhibit featuring work by Leland Strebeck and Conchita Iglesias-McElwee.

It opens Mon, Jan 8, and runs through Feb 3 at Prima Tazza, 8835 Line Avenue, in the Ashley Ridge Pointe Center. An opening reception will be held Sat, Jan 13, from 2-4 P.M., and is free and open to the public, says Donna Strebeck.

Self-taught artist Leland Strebeck will be showing ten pieces in this exhibit, says Donna. It will differ from his past work, as he will be displaying mostly ink drawings. A Strebeck friend says, " Leland's art is brilliant because at first glance, you notice the vibrant colors, the main image, and the cartoon-esque style of painting that define pop art, but with Leland's work you'll notice the realism in the backdrop and sometimes a sharp message of cynicism. He also isn't afraid to look at things from a different perspective; he lets his creativity take control in a way that most artists (and people in general) cannot do."

Also included in the exhibit will be drawings by Leland's daughters and, for the reception only, soft sculptures by his wife, Donna Strebeck. To see examples of the families work visit, Strebeckart.com.

Conchita Iglesias-McElwee is an artist who fuses pop culture with traditional Mexican themes, says Strebeckart.com. Her maternal family traces artistic roots back four generations to the streets of Mexico and Spain. Conchita embraced her artistic talents while working with abused children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her art is often a statement of self discovery or a remembrance of someone she loves or respects. She often works with the traditional themes of Dia de los Muertos. Originals of her work are available at Burningcorazon.etsy.com.

Prima Tazza: M - F, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat,10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reception: Sat, Jan 13, 2 - 4 pm

The artists will be donating 15% of sales commissions to Spt-Bossier Rescue Mission and will collect non-perishables for donation.

Sugar skull class at Artspace, Shreveport, on Sat, Oct 6, 11 am to 1 pm, to be confected by Conchita Iglesias-McElwee

Ofrendas by Conchita Iglesias-McElwee, Artspace, S' port
Originally uploaded by trudeau

As the Dia de los Muertos exhibit continues at Artspace, 710 Texas St, the workshop schedule includes, for Sat, Oct 6:

10:00 am - 2:00 pm: ¡SUPER SATURDIA! - $5.00

Mexican Candle Making 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mosaic Tile Creation 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Sugar Skull Creations 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

11:00 am - 1:00 pm: ¡DIA! Cultural Storytelling with Joanna Ballard -¡FREE!

The sugar skull session is to be led by Conchitas Iglesias-McElwee, a Dia artist of considerable standing. The ofrendas she created to honor Frida Kahlo in the current display at Artspace is one of the most dramatic ones in the building. Monumental, highly-detailed and filled with characters, it rewards an extended visit.

Artspace schedule.
675-6535

Dia de los Muertos on King's Highway: art show at Jackrabbit Lounge curated by Conchita Iglesias-McElwee; Fri, Nov 2, 8 pm

Conchita Iglesias-McElwee, curator
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Conchita McElwee says she has 26 artists showing their work - Dia de los Muertos-related - in a tavern on King's Highway.

But the Jackrabbit Lounge, site of the show, is no ordinary rock bar; it's a thrift-chic mutant room. The Jackrabbit is the spawn of David Nelson's Zebra Room and the lepidal brain of manager Jen Wasson.

Please see an earlier sptBlog post on the Jackrabbit Lounge.

Jackrabbit Lounge will also show artists with pieces that reflect Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead; see call to artists by Conchita McElwee

dia flyer by conchita
Originally uploaded by trudeau

This is the way a city should function at its ideal: big, established emporium, Artspace, does a big-budget celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Small bar that caters to 20somethings, Jackrabbit Lounge (formerly Joe's), offers space for developing artists to create their version of Dia.

The Artspace blowout - enough color on the walls to supply a herd of finger-painting elephants - opens Fri, Sept 15, at 5 pm.

The Dia show at Jackrabbit Lounge - once a rockers' dungeon that has been transformed into an uptown art lounge by Jen Wasson and a team of artists (more on that story soon) - will not open until Nov 2, the actual date of Dia.

Conchita Iglesias-McElwee is the spirit with a foot in each cemetary. While she's helping Artspace ("You really ought to consider getting yourself a Myspace page, for starters.") she's also able to meet the needs of her gang by curating the show at Jackrabbit.

myspace.com/vivachita
jackrabbit lounge myspace

Dia de los Muertos exhibit continues at minicine, 846 Tex Ave, during Tex Ave Maker's Fair, Sat, Nov 5

Dia de los Muertos minicine, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Papel Picado hung from the rafters, a large, art-filled ofrendas by Conchita Iglesias McElwee and large display of clay art by Mexican artist Juan Ramon Soto will remain on view at minicine?, 846 Tex Ave, during the Texas Ave Maker's Fair, says Iglesias McIlwee.

Dia art by artists from Norway and New Orleans as well by local artists, including Micah Harold and Megan Porter, is also part of the display.

Video here.

Two celebrations of Dia de los Muertos in Shreveport on Sat, Oct 29: Columbia Park and Tex Ave

Design: Ben Moss, Shreveport , a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"Plans are moving forward for Voces Castellanas's Day of the Dead - Festival of Life - to be held in Columbia Park on Sat, Oct. 29 --- from 1:00 to 4:00pm," says lee Spruell.

"Yesterday I was at Caddo Middle Maganet helping my friend Raquel Martinez teach her Spanish students traditional songs in Spanish and Mexican folkloric dances" adds Spruell. "They will perform for their school's October Fest on Oct. 12 and then again for Dia de los Muertos on Oct. 29 -- the celebration of Hispanic culture shines brightly in Shreveport."

"Tres Mexicanos (Conchita, Mallori and Adam) and minicine? are proud to present Dia de los Muertos 2011," says Conchita Iglesias McElwee.

"What a night of remembrance, festivities and fun we have planned!! So many things going on that it is hard to put it all here! We have over 35 artists from all over the world participating in this show!

We will have the gallery space open as well as our outdoor space. In honor of the spirit of Dia de los Muertos come dressed as your favorite dead person or animal!

We will have a community ofrenda (shrine) to celebrate those we have loved and lost.

We will have interactive art where you can paint a sugar skull wall.

Music provided by:
Twang Darkly (Shreveport, LA)
Kern Courtney / Naked Vinyl (Shreveport, LA)
Skye Carrasco- (Boston, MA)

Taqueria La Michoacana will be selling their awesome tacos and burrittos!

Juan Ramon Soto from Guadalajara, Mexico will be on hand painting and selling his clay art!"

Multi Cultural Center for the South, Shreveport, seeks artists, craftsmen and activity coordinators

Ganesh at Multicultural center for the South, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Janice Gatlin, activities director for the MultiCultural Center for the South, is looking for

a) artists appropriate for MCCS exhibits.
b) curators who would like to choose the theme or group of artists for an exhibit.
c) craftspersons ready to present an exhibit or activity.
d) child-friendly workers who can guide groups of children through activity sessions (for a fee that meets regional art-guide standards).

"An example of the kind of artist that is ideal for MCCS is Conchita Iglesias McElwee," said Gatlin. "Last year Conchita presented a marvelous show based on her Dia de Los Muertos art."

An artist's work does not have to be consciously ethnic, however.

Those with questions should call Gatlin at 424-1380 or email a bio and examples of work to jgatlin-mccs@sport.rr.com.

Art purchases for the holidays? Enjoy shopping for paintings, sketches, jewelry and objets at Artspace Shreveport, 710 Tex Street

Artspace Shreveport / fine arts survey, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Jewelry, paintings, sketches: a holiday artopia has been installed at Artspace with you, the art lover, in mind. Choose from work by 17 juried artists and artisans.

Carol Connell Shafton Conchita Iglesias McElwee
Contina Pierson Hooshang Khorasani
Kristye Addison Dudley
Karen Johnson
Kathryn Usher
Liane Goessens
Laura Noland Harter
Mary Caroline Spano
Rod Talbot
Robert E Trudeau
Trish Farnsworth-Smith
Taffie Cragon Garsee
Talbot Hopkins Trudeau Theresa Mormino
Wendy Leaumont

See more at artspaceshreveport.com

Zack the Rookie & confreres at 516 soundstage Sat, Jan 20, from 1 pm

Zack the Rookie, 516 soundstage
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Zack the Rookie is a trio of screamo-punk road warriors.

Their tune "buried & breathing," on their myspace.com site, indicates that they've got longer legs than most of their class. As does their considerable touring schedule.

Catch them and a bracket of their brethren at 516 soundstage in a 40-minute-apiece showcase of young talent Sat. from 1 pm.

And they got artist Leland Strebeck to paint this poster for them. Hm.

Leland's show at Prima Tazza is the most intriguing art in Shreveport this month. There's effective contrast in the pairing of Strebeck's art with that of Conchita Iglesias-McElwee. Her images are big and colorful; his are tiny and most are black and white.

Strebeck has not lost a child's sense of play. On quick view, his small-scale illustrations are simple & cute. On further exploration, though, there is a dark core inside each one.

Youth, they seem to want it all, and now. Scream to a whisper in their tunes. Growl to a smile in their art.

Movies, bands, paintings at 846 Texas Ave on Sat, Dec 8, 7 to 11 pm: Xmas Under Da Ground at minicine?

Rachel Stuart-Haas, minicine? 846 Texas Ave, Shreveport, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"Moviemakers response has been through the roof at Xmas Under Da Ground," says David Nelson of mincine? at 846 Texas Ave. "So the event will take place in two adjacent buildings."

"Over 30 filmmakers responded to the call for short films; over 30 visual artists will exhibit in the gallery. Expect nine live music performances.

Reel One - In order of appearance: Run time… 54min 32sec.

Marion Marks, Alan Dyson & Debbie Engle, Raydra Hall & David Hylan, Rob Peterson, Chris Alexander, Kathryn Usher, East 20 Productions, Jason Pliler, Michael Neal Phillips, Savage Chuck Loridans, Krista McKinney, Bilal, Ian Quiet, Jacob Disedare

Reel Two: 41min. 25sec.

Michael Futreal, Thomas Little, Austin Meyers, Cazes Verbois, Chris Armand & Noah Scruggs, Robert Trudeau, Sara Hebert & Chris Jay, Calvin O’Neil Jr., Christopher Alan Weaver, Louisiana Jones, Chris Armand & Noah Scruggs, Dacoda Montana, Mindy Bledsoe

Film Gallery… Tho Tway, EL, Cathy Nance, Bryan Konefsky, Dorothy Kristin Hanna.

Visual Artists:
John Bentrup, Micah Harold, Ali Bahler, Robert Trudeau, Randall Ross, Raven Jones, Laura Robbins, Taffie Cragon Garsee, Ben Moss, Lynn Laird, Jeormie, Taryn Self, Jeremy Johnson, Nadine Charity, Alex Hester, Stavely Kuzmanov, Mindy Bledsoe, Robert Rodgers, Kevin Deloach, Conchita Iglesias McElwee, Elizabeth Holladay Jackson, Amy Treme, Nathan Treme, Raydra Hall, Pamela Raintree, Thomas Little, Peter Fetterman, Talbot Hopkins & more.

Relative Distribution of Activities Across Parallel Universes…
7:00PM
846- Twang Darkly…
846- Gout Break
852 - Street Rats String Band

8:00PM
846 & 852 ~ Films Reel One…

9:00PM
846- Chrissy Wise
846- Brittney Maddox
852- The Shape of Sounds

9:30PM
846 & 852 ~ Films Reel Two…

10:30PM
846- Blood Punch
846- Ian Quiet
846- Bears & Wolves

Catering will be provided by GoGreenly and minicine? pot-luck!
Art for Sale by Artists / Band Merch!
Cash bar. No cover. 7 pm to 11 pm.

Dia de los Muertos Shreveport: minicine, 10.29.11; afternoon Dia de Los Muertos in Columbia Park, 1 to 4 pm

Dia de los Muertos Shreveport / minicine, 10.29.11, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The Dia de Los Muertos exhibit beginning at 7 pm, Sat, Oct 29 ($5), is going to be a shakin' calacas.

From large work fresh off the table by Megan Porter to intense flights of sexuality and mystery by Micah Harold, this Dia will both bow to the Mexican tradition and cut its own path through the zacatecas.

Produced by Conchita Iglesias McElwee - she is a past master at the art of Dia - alongside Adam Davis, Mallori Brandon and others, this event at minicine, 846 Texas Ave, is a smart follow-up to the international MSPS New Music Fest.

The minicine team is raising the rope for local artists. It has come to pass that shows like Dia 2011 are including artists from Europe (2 artists from Norway, in this case) and other parts of the Americas (New Orleans and Mexico) and New Zealand.

No longer are local artists playing in the parochial back yard. The competition is officially global.

And the minicine energy is supporting the global perspective. Check out the high flying papel picado in the rafters of 846 Texas. See the poster by Ben Moss. Check out the dolls from the Crescent City.

Music. Food. Participation. Buying art. You'll never regret a penny spent.

The Dia celebration in Columbia Park on Sat, Oct 29, is produced by Voces Castellanos for students and families.

Etsy.com: a place for hand-made goods, such as jewelry by Theresa Mormino and jellies by Noma Fowler-Sandlin

Jewelry & photo by Theresa Mormino
Originally uploaded by trudeau11

If you liked Theresa Mormino's jewelry at Giftspace in Artspace, you'll be happy to know she has a new shop at Etsy.com. You'll find her under the seller's name of Collageeducation.

And if you've tasted Noma Fowler-Sandlin's jellies and jams at the Farmer's Market, you'll be happy to know that you can shop her, too, on Etsy.com. Her shop name is Pan's Pantry.

Noma, a multi-disciplinary artist, offers a deluxe web site with quite an array of goodies.

Also on Etsy from local sellers: sewn creatures from Donna Strebeck, whose husband, painter Leland Strebeck, has a monster art site called Thine Horsies. And Dia de los Muertos-minded Conchita Iglesias-McElwee is now selling fanciful kids signs as bebedulce.

Shopping Etsy is like strolling the planet's Farmer's Market. And there's a clever geolocator tool to guide your peregrinations.

Minicine? event, Xmas Under Da Ground, Sat, Dec 8, offers both local short film And wall-hung art; the non-film art deadline is Dec 2

Shreveport graffiti, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

While the deadline for the 5 minute-maximum film entries - shot in Shreveport - is Tues, Nov 20, there's another dimension of Xmas Under da Ground: the walls will be hung with flat art.

Says curator Conchita Iglesias McElwee, "People have a weird perception it's just film. Not so. I am the art contact. The non-film art deadline is Dec 2."

Send images and proposals to
Burningcorazon@yahoo.com.

Take home "Tequila Renae Williams" for $50 from Artspace during exhibit called Presents; opening party Fri, Nov 11, 5:30 - 8 pm

Tequila Williams, red ink, Aug, 2011, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

Artspace will host a Holiday-themed Opening Party for the exhibit "Presents" on Nov 11, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Partiers will be the first to shop and meet the artists, says Megan Porter.

All purchases will get a 10% discount along with free gift wrapping - on Fri night only.

Listen to music by Mr. Christopher and AJ Haynes. Admission is $10 person.

Items purchased at artspace, either in PRESENTS or in our year-round giftshop “giftspace,”support regional artists. Shopping can also be done online through the giftspace e-boutique.

Artists included in the show are:

Carol Connell Shafton
Conchita Iglesias McElwee
Contina Pierson
Hooshang Khorasani
Kristye Addison
Dudley Karen Johnson
Kathryn Usher
Liane Goessens
Laura Noland Harter
Mary Caroline Spano
Rod Talbot
Robert E Trudeau
Trish Farnsworth-Smith
Taffie Cragon Garsee
Talbot Hopkins Trudeau
Theresa Mormino
Wendy Leaumont

The exhibit will be open Nov 12 through Jan 7.