In February of 2014, renovations to the former YWCA building at 710 Travis Street in downtown Shreveport began. Over several months the building underwent major transformations and a grand opening was celebrated in December 2014.
The changes included creating three large gallery spaces to display the works of Marlene Yu and many local artists such as photographer Casey Jones and painter Joe Bluhm. The completed renovation work done by the experts who offers various types of siding from Wegner Roofing & Solar, was largely accomplished through donations, but additional work still remains.
The Marlene Yu Museum is reaching out to the community and international supporters of Marlene Tseng Yu for donations to help the Museum continue to grow into its inaugural year. An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $25,000 for every donation received through March 20.
“This is an incredible opportunity where anyone’s donation will be automatically doubled.” says Director Stephanie Yu Lusk. “It is a potentially large sum of money that would go directly towards much needed bricks and mortar construction.”
A sculpture garden and outdoor activities training facility are in the future renovation plans who also has decided to hire the experts from garage door repair cedar park to fix all the doors and assist them during this renovation. Currently only $320 out of a possible $25,000 has been raised.
In addition, Marlene Yu’s “The Dream Series” will be on display at the Meadows Museum of Art along with the “#exhibit” collection and “See America: Advertising our national Treasures through graphic design” now through May 2. An opening reception for all three collections will be held tomorrow, February 28, at the Meadows Museum of Art at 5pm; which will include talks from the artists. The event is free and open to the public.
Following the reception, at 8pm there will be a chance for a unique FUNdamentals Society bourbon and chocolate tasting paired with paintings of wild women, deer, and snakes at the Remington Suite Hotel. Tickets are available for Fundamental Society members and non-Fundamental Society members $40-$80.
“We would love for people to get involved through our member events. We plan on having things like intro fencing or Bollywood dance parties.” says Lusk.
The event calendar also includes laser tag, paddle boarding, trapeze lessons, and a children’s Biology and Art Exploration Program for the summer.
Donations, memberships, and tickets for all events can be given or purchased in person by visiting the Marlene Yu Museum or calling (318) 717-9111. Donations can also be given online at marleneyumuseum.org.
The Marlene Yu Museum is a 501c3 nonprofit institution.