Shreveport, LA, October 22, 2025
News Summary
In Shreveport, local artists are benefiting from the Artist-Up program, which provides essential business skills and marketing strategies. Artists like Natalie Niu and Don Cobb showcased their work at the Red River Revel festival, enhancing their income potential by 30%. Led by seasoned instructor Lesli Marshall, the program emphasizes intellectual property, marketing, and diverse revenue streams. The current session concludes with a free exhibition at Central ARTstation, demonstrating the value of continuous learning in the artistic marketplace.
Shreveport, LA – Local artists have been making a mark at recent events in Shreveport, including the Red River Revel festival, where they showcased their work while honing essential business skills through the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s (SRAC) Artist-Up program. This initiative aims to empower artists, helping them increase their income by up to 30% through improved sales techniques and marketing strategies.
On September 25, 2025, Natalie Niu captivated festival-goers with her painting at Red River Revel, while Don Cobb shared insights about his artwork in an interview with local media. Both artists, along with others, have participated in the Artist-Up program, which covers crucial aspects of the art business, such as intellectual property, copyright law, marketing, and pricing.
Lesli Marshall, a seasoned instructor with 18 years of experience in the art field—having worked with renowned clients like Virgin, Facebook, and the Coachella Music and Arts Festival—leads the Artist-Up sessions. Under her guidance, artists learn to establish business bank accounts, comprehend sales tax requirements, and create digital portfolios that appeal to potential clients. Participants are also encouraged to explore various revenue streams, including murals, workshops, and licensing their artwork.
The current session of the Artist-Up program will conclude with a free exhibition at Central ARTstation, located at 801 Crockett St. on Wednesday, showcasing the works developed during the training. Many artists find such training invaluable and often take the Artist-Up program multiple times, reaping the benefits of continuous learning and adaptation in the marketplace.
Another event, “Art in the Park,” took place on November 4, 2023, at Richard Fleming Park in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, where local artist Anthony Reans engaged with the community, showcasing both his art and his insights on the importance of local engagement. The festival atmosphere, paired with educational opportunities provided by programs like Artist-Up, reinforces the aim of SRAC to inspire and support the region’s creative community.
As technology evolves, including the rise of artificial intelligence in art production, Marshall reassures artists that there will always be a demand for original artwork. She emphasizes the importance of discipline and consistency for achieving artistic success, noting that selling art requires ongoing effort to engage potential buyers and maintain a visible presence in the market.
Overall, the Artist-Up program and local events like Red River Revel and Art in the Park are crucial components in fostering a vibrant artistic landscape in Shreveport, equipping artists with the necessary business skills to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
FAQ
What is the Artist-Up program?
The Artist-Up program is intended to inspire the local creative community and improve their business acumen.
Who is the instructor for the Artist-Up program?
Lesli Marshall, owner of Dallas-based Articulation Art, is an instructor for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Artist-Up business training program.
What does the Artist-Up program include?
The Artist-Up sessions include discussions on business aspects like intellectual property, copyright law, marketing, and pricing for artists.
What is the aim of the SRAC regarding local artists?
SRAC aims to help local artists increase their income by 30% through improved sales and marketing strategies.
Where was the exhibition for the current session of Artist-Up held?
The current session of Artist-Up will conclude with an exhibition on Wednesday at Central ARTstation, 801 Crockett St., which is free to attend.
Key Features of the Artist-Up Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Lesli Marshall, owner of Articulation Art |
| Duration | Multiple sessions available |
| Key Topics | Intellectual property, copyright law, marketing, pricing |
| Outcome | Increase income by 30% through business acumen |
| Exhibition | Held at Central ARTstation, free to attend |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- KTAL News
- Shreveport Times
- KSLA News
- KTBS News
- Wikipedia: Art therapy
- Google Search: Shreveport artists
- Google Scholar: Art business management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art business
- Google News: Shreveport arts community
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
