On Friday, March 27, with artists, musicians, and crafts makers lined up, LoCo Fest is set to be a multi-sensory extravaganza for the local community beginning at 12pm.
Nolan Simmons of Centenary College has been working hard these past few months, booking the amphitheater, corresponding with local bands and artists, networking with interested people; all in anticipation of one single day. But it’s been okay, he says. He’s made a bunch of new friends.
From noon until midnight, Nolan will be hosting Local Collaboration (LoCo) Fest at the Centenary Shell. The stage will be set with lights, artwork, and musicians; crafts makers will be selling handmade goods in the lawn beyond.
“This is going to be a cool, free, local experience,” Nolan said. “We’re combining all different art. People will get the visual, the physical, and the musical.”
Throughout the afternoon, evening, and night, local bands and singers Engine, Bossier Boys, Bristol Hills, Kyle Martin, and others will play as visual artists, including Nolan and Kaitlyn Lindsey, will display—as well as create—art. Nolan encourages other local artists to come out and join in the creative processes. It’s the philosophy of the festival: Local Collaboration. Nolan told me he believes that, through experiences like this festival, people can join in a communal appreciation of art and nature while uplifting their community.
The event coincides with the warmer but still cool weather, and Nolan expects to have a good turnout. He emphasizes that for a community looking to get in-tune with its arts, LoCo Fest is a great and free opportunity to experience many aspects of Shreveport’s arts flavor.
Nolan’s own work focuses on the geometry of nature. He suggests there’s something transcendent in the patterns that exist endlessly throughout nature. He uses woodcuts, carving the shapes and patterns into the same medium that inspires the designs.
If you can’t make it to the Shell on March 27, or you’d like to experience more of Nolan’s work, he will have an exhibit at the Meadows Museum April 10-May 2. He will host a reception on May 1 from 4-6pm, explaining his work, while Kyle Martin performs music arranged to match the geometry of the artwork.
Written by Reily Cook of Centenary College’s the Conglomerate. Article artwork by Nolan Simmons