SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA: Holiday Artwalk Market at Rainforest Art Foundation and Reception for Waterfalls Exhibit

Rainforest Art Foundation at Marlene Yu Museum is hosting a holiday market for artists and makers during the Shreveport Downtown Holiday Artwalk on December 4, 2019. This Artwalk, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, focuses on providing attendees with a chance to do their holiday shopping from local businesses, and the Museum will host booths for local creatives who work within the Rainforest Art Foundation's mission to increase appreciation of nature through art. The RAF Holiday Market will be open Wednesday evening, December 4, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The deadline for booth space applications has been extended to Wednesday, November 27 at noon. Interested vendors can find further details and apply at www.rainforestartfoundation.org/booths.

Rainforest Art Foundation's most recent photo exhibit, Waterfalls, will be on display in the RAF Gallery during the market. This exhibit features breathtaking waterfalls from all around the globe.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA:

April 6, 2019

UPDATE:

Meterologists are saying it'll be raining cats and dogs on Saturday!

The outdoor events of Shreveport DDA's Downtown PUP Crawl have been cancelled, but Robinson's Rescue and Rainforest Art Foundation's Art of the Dog Reception is still on!

For more information about what's still happening Saturday, click here!

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Robinson's Rescue's 10th Annual Best in Sheaux SOLD OUT, but you can still attend Rainforest Art Foundation's Art of the Dog Reception Saturday, April 6, 2019, 5-7pm, as part of your Downtown PUP Crawl itinerary. See below:

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SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – Rainforest Art Foundation hosts a public reception for Art of the Dog as an early Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Art of the Dog is a collaboration between Rainforest Art Foundation and Robinson's Rescue that features dog-centric art by local artists. The event is free with a suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

The Art of the Dog Reception is part of Shreveport Downtown Development Authority's Downtown PUP Crawl, which features special dog-friendly activities from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK, USA: Closing Event Installation for Seas Trees Birds & Bees

Friday, April 5 at 6:30pm:

Day Schildkret will create a Mandala of complex patterns of symmetry with elements he has collected in nature – a meditative ritual that is part of his Morning Altars series.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA: Robinson's Rescue's Tenth Annual Best in Sheaux

At the Tenth Annual Best in Sheaux, you can enjoy signature cocktails, first-class cuisine, raffle prizes, and a Westminster-style dog show at the same time.

Robinson's Rescue and Rainforest Art Foundation are collaborating to host Robinson's Rescue's 10th annual Best in Sheaux ticketed fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Premiering alongside the dog show is Art of the Dog, a mixed media visual arts show curated by Robinson’s Rescue and Rainforest Art Foundation. For ticket inquiries, call Robinson’s Rescue at (318) 221-0017.

Robinson's Rescue is a nonprofit organization located in Shreveport, Louisiana that provides high volume, high quality, low cost spay and neuter surgeries to dogs and cats in the northwest Louisiana region. The mission of Robinson’s Rescue is to reduce overpopulation and euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in North Louisiana by providing affordable spay/neuter services and education on the importance of spay/neuter.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK, USA: Opening Reception for Seas Trees Birds & Bees

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 22, 5 – 8 PM

The Rainforest Art Foundation (36-58 37th Street Long Island City)

Exhibition Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 1:00 – 5:00PM

Hillary Waters Fayle

The Rainforest Art Foundation is pleased to present Seas Trees

Suzanne Stroebe

Birds & Bees, an exhibition that displays the interconnected artistic vision

in the age of the Anthropocene.

Hyobin Kwon

Through a variety of different artistic practices these contemporary artists

express a reverence for all things under the rocks and stars, the sky above

and the earth beneath us. Each delicate flower is a gift to be cherished and preserved.

Lilian R. Engel

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA: Radiant Birds Reception During February Shreveport Downtown Artwalk

February 6, 2019

Rainforest Art Foundation is proud to present the newest, nature-inspired photography show at the Marlene Yu Museum, Radiant Birds. Rainforest Art Foundation will be hosting a free reception for the exhibit during the February Downtown Artwalk on February 6, 2019, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

Director Stephanie Lusk said, “Occasionally, people send us photos of nature that we feel are too good not to share. So the artists for this show are unknown photographers and Mother Nature.” The exhibition showcases over 20 different species of birds, each displaying impressive plumage, an interesting pattern, or a vibrant color palette.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USAMarjorie Grigonis: Celebrating 50 Years of Creation Opening Reception During September Downtown Artwalk

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Rainforest Art Foundation is proud to present the works of Marjorie Grigonis at the Marlene Yu Museum. The opening reception will be during the September Downtown Artwalk on September 5, 2018 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. The exhibition celebrates her 50 years of creation.

Grigonis says of her work, “My abstract drawings and paintings are the visual record of exploration, criticism, trial and error, and discovery. … Composing an arresting image with line shapes and colors is my primary goal. In the process, thoughts and feelings are often associated with the forms thus influencing the direction and outcome of the work.”

She has shown at the state museums of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Woodmere Art Museum (Philadelphia, PA), Mint Museum (Charlotte, NC), and many private galleries. Her paintings and prints are in the collections of the University of NC, the Medical University of SC, Pennsylvania Hospital, Wyeth Ayerst International, Inc., and in private collections in the US, France, England, and Germany.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USAMicro/Macro Closing Reception During May Downtown Artwalk

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SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USAOpening Reception for Micro/Macro: Under the Microscope and Into the Cosmos

In celebration of Earth Day, Rainforest Art Foundation has partnered with The Agora Borealis to present a gallery exhibition themed Micro/Macro: Under the Microscope and Into the Cosmos with an opening reception on Sunday, April, 15, 2018 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at the Marlene Yu Museum, 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, LA 71101. This exhibit is one part of The Agora Borealis' 4th annual Textile & Art Show. The focus of this year’s theme is growth and preservation, exploring the interconnectedness of the universe as well as a sustainable planet. All artwork is of nature inspired subject matter and/or made of natural or repurposed materials, and made by Northwest Louisiana artists. Admission to the opening reception is free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

The Agora Borealis' corresponding textile show is a ticketed performance Friday, April 20, 2018 from 7:30PM-11:00PM at the Marlene Yu Museum. Textile tickets are $30 for General Admission and $80 for VIP. The Agora Borealis is also hosting a Preview Dinner and Artist Talks on Wednesday, April 11 at 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Marlene Yu Museum for $35 per person. Limited tickets to the fashion show and preview dinner are available for purchase at The Agora Borealis at 421 Lake Street, Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, and questions can be directed to the store number at (318) 268-3011. Ten percent of all tickets and art sales from Micro/Macro 2018 will benefit Rainforest Art Foundation's mission to increase appreciation of nature through the arts.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USANatural Stone Arches and Spirit of Nature in Africa

Rainforest Art Foundation presents two photography exhibitions at Shreveport HQ

Rainforest Art Foundation is proud to feature the Natural Stone Arches and Spirit of Nature in Africa exhibitions during Downtown Artwalk North on February 7, 2018 at the Marlene Yu Museum, 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 from 5:00PM-8:00PM. . Admission to this special reception is free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

"Occasionally, people send us photos of nature that we feel are too good not to share." -Stephanie Lusk

Director Stephanie Lusk said, "In Natural Stone Arches, we see majestic formations of earth that remind us of the power of wind and water over time. Some take on the semblance of towering creatures. Some are like windows that frame awe-inspiring landscapes. Some appear as strong, yet ever-changing bridges. Some take on a balancing act, as if they might topple at any moment. Occasionally, people send us photos of nature that we feel are too good not to share. So the artists for this show are unknown photographers and Mother Nature.

"In our annual international photo exhibition Nature Through the Lens, we feature nature-inspired art from Rainforest Art Foundation's professional photographers, emerging artists, and artists who work in multimedia. In this year's Spirit of Nature in Africa show, we also feature the art of photography hobbyists, who traveled to Africa specifically to capture snapshots of impressive animals in their equally impressive natural habitats.

"At Rainforest Art Foundation, we believe that connecting with nature is often the first step towards conservation."

"Our Founder, Marlene Yu, says anyone can be an artist inspired by nature: she encourages everyone to get out into nature and take photos. Let nature be your guide. Observe scenery up close and afar, how sunlight breaks through forest trees, the intricate texture of bark, mushrooms on decayed logs. At Rainforest Art Foundation, we believe that connecting with nature is often the first step towards conservation. We hope that photography continues to be an experiential and artistic medium that many people can relate to and that increases appreciation of nature."

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA:Marjorie Grigonis 50 Years of Creation on her 80th birthday

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA:Susan Duke's “Ephemeral Earth” Closing Reception

Rainforest Art Foundation is proud to have featured Susan Duke’s “Ephemeral Earth” as the signature art exhibition. The closing reception is taking place Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Marlene Yu Museum, 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 from 5:00PM-8:00PM during Downtown Artwalk North.

Susan Duke says of her art, "My paintings were created as an antidote to anxiety, but now I paint from a place of pure joy."

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently awarded Susan Duke the "National Women in the Arts" honor for her 20-plus years in gallery and art shows, community service to further the arts, and permanent public art installation. She was recently chosen by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to have her graphic design work translated into bas-relief decorative 5-by-8-foot medallions on the I-49 overpass piers through downtown Shreveport.

Director Stephanie Lusk said, "In many ways, Susan Duke's work resonates and matches so well with Marlene Yu and the Rainforest Art Foundation: sensitive to the beauty, power, and fragility of the earth, able to speak on its behalf through inspirational expressionist painting, and creative with gorgeous masterpieces you want to own… They make you want to jump right into their paintings."

Free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

The closing reception will be held during the June North Louisiana Downtown Artwalk on June 7, 2017, from 5-8PM.

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, USA:Susan Duke presents “Ephemeral Earth” on Earth Day with musical accompaniment by Blind Uncle Keith

Rainforest Art Foundation is proud to feature Susan Duke’s “Ephemeral Earth” as the signature art exhibition on Earth Day, April 22, 2017 at the Marlene Yu Museum, 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 from 2:00PM-5:00PM.  Blind Uncle Keith will be performing Pete Seeger covers and peace songs to celebrate RAF’s Love Nature, Love Each Other motto, as well as his own music.

Susan Duke says of her art, "My paintings are created as an antidote to anxiety...  I am guided by both the need to retreat into nature, and by the surprising, mysterious spark of divine spirit I find there.”

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently awarded Susan Duke the "National Women in the Arts" honor for her 20-plus years in gallery and art shows, community service to further the arts, and permanent public art installation. She was recently chosen by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to have her graphic design work translated into bas-relief decorative 5-by-8-foot medallions on the I-49 overpass piers through downtown Shreveport.

Keith W. Johnston, “Blind Uncle Keith”, began singing at age 3 and playing guitar at the age of 14. His influences are diverse and eclectic.  His style is a combination of acoustic and electric rock, blues, and country.  During the 80’s he toured the South with Departure, Zion, and Cross. His current CD is entitled, “Holding On To My Memories” and he is available to play at a variety of venues.

Director Stephanie Lusk said, "In many ways, Susan Duke's work resonates and matches so well with Marlene Yu and the Rainforest Art Foundation: sensitive to the beauty, power, and fragility of the earth, able to speak on its behalf through inspirational expressionist painting, and creative with gorgeous masterpieces you want to own… They make you want to jump right into their paintings."

Free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.
 

📷🍷🚶 5th Annual International Nature Through The Lens Exhibit & Downtown Artwalk

Professional photographer Guang Zhao Che's artwork is featured in Rainforest Art Foundation's 5th Annual International "Nature Through The Lens" exhibit, opening at the Marlene Yu Museum at 710 Travis Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101 during Downtown Artwalk Wednesday, February 1, 2017, 5-8 p.m. 

"Like an ecosystem, we are all connected. People around the world, in Shreveport-Bossier, in downtown, with animals and the earth, we learn to live together in harmony," said RAF Director Stephanie Lusk. 

Free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

Shanghai-born New York photographer, graphic designer, print designer, and advertising executive Jack Lee took this photo "Full Steam Ahead" on an Inner Mongolian prairie in Chifeng, where Qing emperors autumnally enjoyed horseback riding.  

RAF's 5th annual "Nature Through The Lens" artists are Huzhong Cai (Peter), Cheto Castellano, Yuwai Chan, Feng Chang, Guang Zhao Che, Yong Chen, Daniela Finke, Walter Fogel, Leni Fuhrman, Jiangou Guo, Hans-Jürgen Herrman, SooJung Hyun, Jiankang Jin, Jean Philippe Kadzinski, Yulia Kirschner, John Kwok, Jack Lee, Ken Lee, Bill Leonardi, Shao Gang Li, Pei Chang Miao, Ansheng Liu, Dayan Liu, Hui Liu, Jingru Luo, Mai Lu, Ying Nung Ma (Susan), Robert Morgan, Lissette Olivares, Fernando Patallo, Gerald Pisazowski, Yvonne Rubie, Chengliang San, Helga Schuhr, Ke Ming Shen, Chi Shen Wong, Wei Tang, Cheung Yu Tai, Jinghui Tian, David Wang, Fiona Wang, Mozhi Wang, Jeffrey Cyphers Wright, Rong Zhen Xie, Fang Xu, Fu Wu Zhang, and Ai Long Zhang. 

Rainforest Art Foundation's annual international photography exhibit, "Nature Through The Lens" travels from New York to Louisiana and Switzerland.  

Amazing Flowers: Do Plants Talk?

Rainforest Art Foundation's traveling photo exhibit of strange-looking flowers becomes interactive in Shreveport, Louisiana, leading viewers to question whether plants communicate and what they may be saying at the wine and cheese opening reception of "Amazing Flowers: Do Plants Talk?" Friday, October 21, 5-7 PM. 

"In this interactive exhibit, we see the art of nature itself, we wonder about 'Mother Nature' as the artist, and viewers are welcomed to interpret what 'she' may be trying to convey through her work," said Director Stephanie Lusk.

Free with RSVPmymuseum@gmail.com and suggested $10 donation to benefit the Foundation.

1UP Fundraiser

HELP THE MARLENE YU MUSEUM AND RAINFOREST ART FOUNDATION CLIMB UP THE STAIRS AND GROW!

Donate

In our first year, Marlene Yu Museum and Rainforest Art Foundation have created nature art exhibitions, partner events, kids’ programs, a fashion line, and Shreveport's first contemporary art museum. It's been hugely successful because so many people have come together and put in so much LOVE--love of nature and each other.  We are so grateful for your help in getting us off the ground, but we're not done yet!  We're now ready to take it to the next level, and we need your support to '1UP' our efforts.  

OUR 1UP GOALS

1. LEVEL UP our Museum's second floor

Let's grow our donor tree to reach the second floor of the Museum and open a permanent exhibition hall for Marlene Yu’s popular Dream Series.  We're knocking down walls and increasing ceiling heights for a beautiful community space.  You saw what we did with the 1st floor and Main Exhibition Hall to present the Grand Opening of the Marlene Yu Museum, Marlene Yu's "Forces of Nature", her signature "Water - Element of Life" exhibit, Green Arts Party, and RAF's Earth Day Celebration--wait 'til you see what's next!  

2. LEVEL UP our Foundation's reach

We're putting Shreveport "on the map" by partnering with regional and international institutions, and having MYmuseum incorporate social media so that each visitor's experience near and far can be individualized as desired.  Her dream is make it a global movement--RAF started in New York City, headquarters in Louisiana, USA, expanded to Zurich, Switzerland, and soon Frankfurt, Germany.  We featured local and international nature arts: Beauty & Spirit of Nature, Disappearing Nature, Walk on the Wild Side with Don Edwards, Wild Mushroom Photography, Nature Through the Lens, Recycled Sculptured by John Norwood, Sculptures by Dennis Cady, Shreveport artists at RAF in NYC, and local partnerships at Lucky Sevens institutions, Bayou to Bay's Better Beach Bash, ClimBossier, and other locations soon to include local schools and assisted living facilities.  Let's grow seeds Marlene Yu has planted with the Rainforest Art Foundation’s environmental green movement in art to be accessible to more people on local, regional, and international levels.  

Donate

STAY CONNECTED &
TRACK OUR PROGRESS

The Museum has truly become a special place for many people. There are so many people who believe in this project and want to see it come to its full vision: 

1. Humans of Marlene Yu

Inspired by Humans of New York, we're releasing several short testimonials featuring people who want to share their stories about the Marlene Yu Museum on Facebook as HOMY - Humans of Marlene Yu. 

2.  Super Mario

Super Mario will leap to the next step as we reach our funding goal.  We're off to a great start with 10 golden steps left!  

We hope you will help us make these dreams come true. 

Please help us raise $60,000 by May 31st.  Thank you for helping us LEVEL UP. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP: 

LEAVE A PERMANENT MARK:

The 12 steps leading to this floor are your opportunity to leave a permanent mark on this phase of the Museum’s growth.  Each step is $5,000, which includes your name branded on a golden plaque, so that every visitor who ascends may appreciate your impact. Other donation levels may include recognition in the form of painted leaves on the stairwell wall. All donations made at these "step" and "leaf" levels are 100% tax-deductible. 

$5,000 - Gold Step

$2,500 - Silver Leaf

$1,000 - Green Leaf

GET A LITTLE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK:

Take home some Marlene Yu swag when you donate at these levels. You can check out the prizes mentioned below in our online store. These prizes are available only to those who can come to the Museum to pick them up during the month of May (and not available through the Give for Good fundraiser on May 3). 

$500 - Marlene Yu Print and her Nature & Cosmos collectible book ($370 tax deductible)

$250 - Marlene Yu Poster ($190 tax deductible)

$100 - Small Dream Series Poster ($80 tax deductible)

$50 - Choice of a set of note cards or postcards ($30 or $40 tax deductible)

All donations of any size are welcome and appreciated! Thank you for your support. To make your donation now please click the tab below.

Donate

SPECIAL THANKS TO STEP & LEAF DONORS

as of April 27, 2016

GOLD STEP

Katy Miller Merriman in memory of my mom, Jean

SILVER LEAF

We're waiting for you...

GREEN LEAF

Dr. Willard & Frances Washburne

THANK YOU TO ALL 1UP DONORS

Your name here...

Kayak Lessons at LSUS

Feb. 3 - April 30 (Wednesday's 6-7 pm)

Starting in February every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month come jump in a kayak to develop your skills in the LSU-Shreveport Pool.  Get expert advice from some of the best paddlers in the area.  Bring your family, bring your friends.

For updates, pricing, and more information, please contact Garth Owens at (318) 349-8414.