By Scott Rutherford
hen buying original art, local artists are your best source. “When you buy a piece from a home decor store, you're buying something that thousands of other people have as well,” said Shreveport artist Taffie Garsee, who has been making art for as long as she can remember. “But, when you buy an original work by someone local, you are directly supporting that person, their kids, their community, and the local economy. You’re purchasing that person’s time and effort and a little piece of their soul.”
Garsee, who grew up in an artistic family, has invested herself in the local art community. In addition to displaying and selling her art locally and on social media, she has overseen local art challenges at Agora Borealis. In them, local artists whose work is not yet well-known or who don’t yet have a large enough portfolio to command a solo show are invited to compete in a forum that offers them much-needed exposure. “Shreveport has a wealth of talent for a city our size,” she said. “Artspace, Agora Borealis, 318 Art & Garden, C&C Mercantile, the Revel, and the Yu Museum are all great places to check for local talent – not to mention the Art Walks downtown.”
Adding that Minicine?, Meadows Museum of Art, and The Norton Art Gallery are also wonderful places to find local art, Garsee said that “there’s almost always something arts-related happening in town.”
When it comes to buying original local art, Garsee recommends choosing pieces you feel a connection with. “Get pieces you want to stare at when you see them. The ones that make you look a second time. Something you know you’ll enjoy seeing every day,” she said. “If you love it… buy it when you see it. An original may not stay available for long.”
Garsee explained that one of the best things about buying local original art is “you’ll be able to establish a working relationship with the artist.” She added that many artists are happy to do work on commission if you love their style but don’t see exactly what you need for your home, and that “they’re usually happy to get acquainted with their collectors.”
Taffie Garsee’s art can often be seen on display at Artspace, Agora Borealis and other local art venues, as well as on Instagram (@tgarsee) and The Art of Taffie Garsee Facebook page.