The Vault LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: AUBREY BOLEN →

If you have been following Aubrey’s work for the past 10 years, you have seen what an incredible artist’s journey he has been on. He began restoring antique furniture, and then transitioned into clay and acrylic mediums. On any given weekday, you will find him at River Oaks Square Arts Center teaching, creating or curating. On the weekends, he retreats into the deep Kisatchie woods to dig for inspiration and re-energize his soul. He is a father, artist, nature-lover, and one reason to love central louisiana!

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Merit Award

April 28, 2017

I am honored to have received the Merit Award "In memory of June Lambard Long", which was presented by her daughter Lisa Norman, at the 2017 Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. The piece that won, "Ridgeline", was inspired by a backpacking trip on the Back Bone Trail.

The Natchez Fellowship Project

Source: TownTalk

Aubrey Bolen, artistic director at River Oaks Square Arts Center in downtown Alexandria and owner of The Indian Creek Studio, was recently awarded a fellowship for the Natchez Project 2016 in Natchez, Miss. The Natchez Project was created and is sponsored by Conner Burns, an artist and gallery owner in Natchez.  The 2016 Natchez Project will take place Jan. 3-9 in Natchez.

A press release states that "the Natchez Project is a convergence of selected artists in Natchez for the purpose of exploration and creation of artwork.  The intention of the Natchez Project is three-fold: to provide time and space for artists to create without distractions, to allow interactions between exceptional artists and to provide an exhibition of art."

In addition to Bolen, two other artists with connections to Alexandria were selected for the project. Kimberly Brannon and Amy Glisan were previously resident artists at River Oaks Square Arts Center. Brannon was also a teacher.

A free exhibition by the Natchez Project Fellowship artists will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Gallery of Conner Burns located at 209 Franklin Street in downtown Natchez. Burns will host a one-night only free event for the community to see the artists' artwork. There will be completed artwork in the gallery as well as in process artwork in the studio.  All artists will be at the studio to greet visitors.  The exhibit lasts for three hours Saturday evening and then will be packed and moved.

Burns is a renowned artist who teaches workshops internationally. A press release states he "makes vessels that are single fired and glazed with natural glazes that are subtle in both color and texture. His work is very organic and his intent is to have each piece look as if it ‘grew that way’ rather than something that was made.