When local artist Neda Parandian discovered her colleagues were not able to find work, she knew it was time for a change in the Baton Rouge art community.
After realizing the poor statistics for Louisiana artists, Parandian reached out to local businesses to collaborate.
These efforts eventually culminated in an all-inclusive art show titled “Pop! Art Smart Show,” — its main purpose to cross-promote artists. The show debuted at the Varsity Theatre in June and had its second run Aug. 19, displaying work from artists in various fields.
From puppets asking for tips to dancers weaving through the crowd, the show was lit up with eclectic Baton Rouge artists. Comics, live artists and hip-hop dancers all came together to meet fellow artists and promote one another.
“It’s our responsibility to support one another,” Parandian said.
“Pop!” showcased a wide range of art types, from aerialists to cardboard designers, and Parandian said she could not be more pleased.
“The result is being able to allow some amazing creative types of people from all different spectrums of the creative world to have a spotlight on them,” Parandian said.
She said her efforts have brought about some economic growth among the city’s artists and that she hopes the art economy continues to grow as the show grows and collaboration of different artists from “Pop!” helps to give the artists promotional opportunities.
One success story Parandian saw from her first “Pop!” show in June was that of aerialist Jamie Ray. Ray started her own business, Airseekers, and then gained publicity. Parandian said her show brought awareness to aerialists, as many people forget there are aerialists in Baton Rouge.
Local artist Tess Devillier, displayed her art for the first time at the Aug. 19 show.
“I didn’t know where to show my art. This is a great opportunity for me,” said Devillier.
Parandian said seeing other people progress is a major goal of the show and what she sees in the show’s featured artists.
Comic artist Gavin Michelli said the art community in Baton Rouge is snowballing as galleries continue to open and different shows pollenate around the city. Michelli, who has been drawing comics since 2010, said “Pop!” is a diverse experience unlike other shows and conventions because it features artists of all areas.
One kinetic artist, Barton Gilley, displayed his art at the Aug. 19 show. In his piece, puppets inspired by puppeteer Jim Henson are controlled by bicycle cables. Gilley said “Pop!” lets his puppets meet an audience instead of sitting in his garage and hopes the show gives him, and his art, exposure.
Parandian said keeping up with technological advancements is important for the vitality of the show. She said the show runs a live stream, which contributed to web exposure and helps it reach a bigger audience.
As for the future of the show, Parandian said she hopes it eventually expands to a national and international scale. For Parandian, it’s not about fame or money, but about creating a dialogue with artists.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Ronni Bourgeois

Artist, David Losavio produces live painting during the art show on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at the Varsity Theater.