SAAC welcomes new exhibit, “Joie de Vivre” by Ruston artist Loretta Shadow Owens, to the Merkle and Price Galleries for August. The exhibit will run August 2-30, with an artist’s reception on Saturday, August 5th from 6:00-7:30pm.
Loretta Shadow said about her art, “As an artist, it is a joy to share with you, and the world, this myriad of color, fun, joy, and passion for life. For me, painting is a process rather than a product. It is the evolution of my very being leaping forth onto the paper or canvas! Each piece is like a child and each piece goes through a life process for being born to being complete. Painting is a spiritual experience where I encounter the presence of God and feel that my art pieces are co-created with our God who loves and cares for us all – each one.”
It is my hope that someone, somewhere, will be touched and moved to feel, to smile, to remember, and even, perhaps, to laugh or shed a tear when they encounter my work. It is a reflection of my journey and a window into my soul. To God be the Glory.”
Loretta Shadow Owens began painting in 1989 at the age of 40. She enjoys working in water media and oils, and also has a passion for the process of drawing and painting. Her paintings and drawings sometimes cause smiles and even laughter among fellow artists and outsider viewers. Her debut showing of her art was in May of 2001 in Ruston, Louisiana at the Townsend House during the Spring Artist Studio Tour. Her drawing of Christ was published in a teaching book about compositions produced by M. Douglas Walton.
Loretta holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from Louisiana Tech University – Home Economics Education and Animal Science. She also earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee. She has studied at the University of Hawaii and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge as well as in Europe on an extensive fashion and textiles tour with Stout State University in Menomonie, Wisconsin. From a young age, Loretta was interested in the arts. She excels in commercial stitch art and calligraphic works featuring Bible verses, prayers, poems, and sayings. Loretta is known for fabulous flower arrangements. She incorporates native flowers and greenery with unique flair. She worked as an Extension Home Economist from 1971 to 1973 in LaSalle Parish.
She was the first to receive the award for Outstanding Young Woman in Ruston. She was also vice-president of Ruston’s Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc.
For more information about thee exhibit, please call SAAC at 870-862-5474. The gallery viewing hours are Monday- Friday 9:00-5:00.