Baton Rouge’s leadership organization Forum 35 hosted the ninth annual Art Melt on July 14.
The event was free and invited residents to view and purchase artwork. Artists competed for awards and cash prizes.
This year’s first-place winner was Kellye Eisworth, a recent University photography graduate.
The up-and-coming artist now resides in New Orleans, and she works as a photo assistant for New Orleans artist Deborah Luster. She is also currently seeking a second job in the arts field, Eisworth said.
Eisworth describes her style of photography as “a documentary portraiture, exploring the human condition through various subcultures within society.”
The winning artwork is a photograph named “Jesse,” and it comes from her series entitled “Transient.”
“The project focuses on the art of tattooing in American culture and the way individuals use these emblems to communicate,” Eisworth explained.
According to her website, “by documenting the modern subculture of tattoos, I attempt to explore the dichotomy between the enduring and the fleeting. The individuals I portray are young, usually in their early to mid-twenties. Though their youth is transitory, the emblems that mark their bodies are permanent.”
Local artists, such as Eisworth, recognize the cultural significance of special projects like Art Melt.
“Events such as Forum 35’s Art Melt are crucial to the vitality of arts and culture within our local community. This free event makes the arts accessible to the general public and promotes a growing interest in the visual arts, music and performance arts,” Eisworth said.
Art Melt also provided a networking opportunity for budding artists in the area.
“Art Melt provides a venue for local artists to showcase their work and connect with other artists in their area,” Eisworth said.
Eisworth said that this was her second year participating in Art Melt and her first time ever placing in an art competition.
“I was very surprised when I won first place. I feel really honored, especially since there were so many other amazing pieces in the show,” Eisworth said.
Eisworth received $2,000 for her winning piece, and said that she plans on spending the money by paying off some bills and investing the rest into a savings fund.
 
____ Contact Taylor Schoen at [email protected]