Across the world, artists and sculptural fabricators are forming new creative collaborations to open pathways to endless artistic exploration and innovation. The new artistic gateway signs that mark Louisiana’s 163-mile Boom or Bust Byway are a perfect example of how these expanding artistic possibilities are breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and dynamic art world.  

The Boom or Bust Byway through the communities of Belcher, Gilliam, Homer, Hosston, Lake Claiborne, Oil City, Plain Dealing, Sarepta, and Vivian showcases the unique character of the region it traverses and offers travelers an opportunity to connect with what defines that area. The Boom or Bust follows Highway 2 along the Louisiana–Texas border and Highway 3049 on the west and Lake Claiborne on the east. This nationally recognized trail tells the story of the ups and downs in the oil and gas, lumber, transportation, farming, and entertainment businesses that made up the best and worst of times of the region. It also reflects stories of the inventiveness and resilience of the people in these northwest Louisiana piney woods who did what it took to shift from one industry and way of life to another to survive and thrive. 

The Boom or Bust Byway artistic gateway signs, sponsored by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Visit Shreveport–Bossier, and the National Endowment for the Arts, uniquely illustrate something of special significance that pays homage to the cultural heritage of the area and defines each community along the trail. Whether it’s how the railroad changed the landscape of a city, or how sunflower fields provide a brilliant backdrop for an annual celebration, each artistic gateway sign visually defines the essence of the city into which it leads visitors and offers a QR code to further entice stops at popular destinations and local eateries. 

Bruce Allen, project manager for the Boom or Bust Byway artistic gateway signs, is excited about how today’s artists are empowered by the tools and technologies of fabricators. He noted that, as project liaison, “learning to speak the language of industrial fabrication and communicating that to the artists, and then being able to share with them the processes, possibilities, and limitations of the fabricators, has widened their vision of what is possible and given them a new toolbox for the creation of large-scale public art works.” 

Mechanical engineer Matt Newberry added, “Dixie Weld Fabricators was happy to work with local artists to make the new signs for the Boom or Bust Byway. We were able to provide the space and tools necessary to cut the signs based on the artists’ designs so they did not have to compromise their vision. It was a great collaboration.” 

The artists’ designs were chosen by the cities themselves from a list of finalists (narrowed down from over seventy artists) submitted by jurors from Centenary College, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, and Northwestern State University. The artists include Julie Burton, Karin Ebbesson, Dorothy Kristin Hanna, Brittney Hazelton, Whitney Tates, Lisandra di Liberto Torres, and two additional artists to be named in late Septemer. Each sign features a laser-cut metal design fabricated by Dixie Weld Fabricators and powder coated by Martin Specialty Coatings. 

Northwest Louisiana artist Brittney Hazelton said, “I am an artist who also has a full-time job as a journalist. It can be difficult to design, create, and get access to large tools such as laser cutters to fabricate a finished project. Allowing my sign design to be completed by a professional fabricator allowed me more time for the creative process. I feel as if these new signs are going to be a great introduction to the towns, giving a good first impression to visitors. I also believe that the artistic signs will aid in giving the communities more insight into what makes their town’s history and culture special.” 

Kenny Melvin, Martin Specialty Coatings Shop coatings manager, said, “Martin Specialty Coatings has been a part of many projects with local artists and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council through the years. We like to think our collaboration with the artists allows them to explore their visions in new ways and pushes the limits of what is possible. It’s always a rewarding experience to see the final idea and the working parts come together for everyone to enjoy and the Martin team to be proud of the results.” 

The Boom or Bust Byway artistic gateway signs are exemplary of cultural tourism wherein a community places confidence in the arts to help create the destination. These signs were envisioned by Visit Shreveport–Bossier; President Stacy Brown said, “The Boom or Bust Byway is deeply woven into the culture of northwest Louisiana, and we are excited to highlight the heritage of the people who live along its route.  These gateway signs are eye-catching and remarkable additions that we hope will encourage travelers to stop, play, and explore.” 

SHREVEPORT REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL 

Central ARTSTATION, 801 Crockett St. HOURS 

Artspace, 708 Texas Street Artspace: Tuesday–Friday, 11a.m.–5 p.m. 

shrevearts.org (318) 673-6535 Saturday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.