Art culture in Louisiana is thriving, and Ruston Artisans–an art gallery located in Ruston, Louisiana–has put forth a valiant effort to bring this into the limelight with its Like Mind exhibition, a captivating display featuring four of Ruston’s most talented artists. Judi Null, the driving force behind it all, has established the gallery as a central location for art display in historic downtown Ruston. Like Mind, there most recent showing, seeks to demonstrate this with an exploration of abstract art.
Whether you’re new or already familiar with the creative personalities living in the city’s art underground, Like Mind is an exhibit worth taking an hour or two out of your day to visit. I did so, and felt that my trip to the gallery was an enriching opportunity for personal growth. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone, and you’ll find out why in this review of the Like Mind exhibition at Ruston Artisans of Louisiana.
Arrival at Ruston Artisans
Set an intention. I’m going into the Like Mind art exhibit with the intention to learn something new and meet new people. Positive vibes only! I’m excited to see how going in with these goals will affect my experience. At the end, I’m going to do a write up of the opening reception, so I need to soak in as many details as I can.
Walking down the sidewalk, I finally come to the gallery and snap a quick picture of the sign. Arrival!
As I walk through the door, my watch shows it’s 6:15 PM. The event ends at 7:00. This gives me plenty of time to walk through, check everything out and speak to a few of the artists. The event actually started at 5:00, but Janine Hill, one of the hosts, described it as a “come-and-go event that you don’t need to be on time to.” This is my version of casually late.
In the lobby, I’m somewhat overwhelmed by all the art and people I see drinking wine and socializing. I think I’m already lost, but–hey! There’s Janine. We exchange greetings and begin a tour of the gallery.
“…inspiration finds its way during life’s moments of honesty.”
Tour of the Like Mind Exhibition
Maggie Jones Boudreax
The exhibit features original art from four local artists: Maggie Jones Boudreax, Todd Maggio, Noula Roudakis and Tim Hayes. I’m sure I’ve heard the names and have undoubtedly seen their artwork before, but I’m bad with names and haven’t been to an exhibit since back in the day. At any rate, I look forward to meeting them given the chance.
We walk throughout the lobby and main hallway. The art is breathtaking, and the way the pieces harmonize with each other on the walls leads me to believe everything in this particular area was composed by the same artist. Janine corrects my assumption, noting it’s a mix of all the featured artists. This speaks to the consistency of talent on display, and I’m immediately impressed.
Todd Maggio
Surveying the walls, I’m stunned by what I’m seeing. It’s been so long since I’ve been to an exhibit, and I feel like I have fresh eyes. The artwork speaks to me in a way it never has before. I imagine the artists as they are creating the art. What were they going through when they painted this? What were they feeling? I look at a brushstroke that ends abruptly. Did they feel like giving up? I ask these questions as my eyes go from detail to detail, image to image.
Noula rodakis
We enter another part of the exhibit where Janine introduces me to Tim Hayes, one of the exhibition’s featured artists. Nice! Tim has a nice pair of glasses on. They remind me of my sunglasses, so I take him as a cool guy. Very stylish.
Me: So, what got you into art?
Tim goes on to talk about how he studied architecture at Louisiana Tech a while back and has been pursuing his craft as a local artist in the years since. We step over to a collage of his smaller pieces, where he reveals what art means to him. He gives insight into scenes he’s painted, hinting at common themes, but staying vague enough to make us ask questions. Mysterious!
Me: Love it. It’s all very “math rock!”
Tim Hayes
The dialogue with Tim doesn’t disappoint, and I’m even more excited to keep going and hopefully run into more artists. As we continue around the room, I start to consider my own emotions and how they would manifest themselves on a canvas. These thoughts give art a new dimension, because I now see how paintings truly are a window into the mind of an artist. This is one of those truths I have always known, without really knowing. I’m starting to feel like I’m on another plane now.
“…art is meant to be reflected upon, rather than reviewed.”
Out of nowhere, Janine introduces me to Christiane Drieling, a local collage artist, who is excited to discuss all things art-related. She’s enjoying herself at the gallery while showing her support for the featured artists. We begin looking at a copy of a book she worked on last year–a compilation of art various artists created using 45’s (7-inch records). Music! Ooooohhh…we could be friends.
Me: What does art mean to you?
She points to a particular photo and explains how it was inspired by Chernobyl, as she experienced it in Germany. She tells how significant events in her life, both good and bad, are represented in her work. It’s an exchange that reminds me how inspiration finds its way during life’s moments of honesty.
We talk for a while and eventually decide to go to the refreshments area. I can definitely use a snack, but–everyone is gone! What happened? I glance down at my watch and realize it’s already past 7:00, and the reception has officially ended. Yikes! I didn’t have a chance to speak to all the artists! Maybe next time…
Judi Null (center)
I guess it’s time for me to head out. Nice meeting everyone! I thank everyone for the fun times, say my goodbyes and head towards the door with lots to think about. I run into Judi Null as I approach the door, and she asks how my tour through the exhibit was.
Me: Fantastic!
Reflection
I enjoyed my time at the Like Mind exhibition. The atmosphere was great, the artwork was fabulous and the artists were interesting. Ruston Artisans really did a fantastic job putting the event together; it was a charming reception for this exhibit’s opening.
There are many who review art, but I find this extremely difficult. Art is highly subjective; thus, I’m not in the business of assigning numerical values to an artists’s expression. It doesn’t seem to serve much purpose. Instead of being critical, I went in with the mindset that art is meant to be reflected on rather than reviewed. I feel this attitude made for an extremely positive experience. I wasn’t looking for anything negative, and nothing stood out to me as such.
I learned a lot about art and its ability to stimulate introspection at Ruston Artisans’s exhibition. The moments of reflection I experienced as I analyzed each piece at Like Mind were lessons learned and dilemmas resolved (in my own mind). I loved every part of it and would certainly recommend it to both newcomers and veterans looking for an authentic cultural experience in Louisiana. The Like Mind exhibition will be showing at Ruston Artisans in Ruston, LA until March 3, 2020.