BOSSIER CITY, La. (Arklatex Today) – With Bossier Arts Council’s big event Artini coming up, featured artist Rachel McDonald speaks with ArkLaTex Artistry’s Brittney Hazelton and explains how the theme suits her.
On June 8t, at 7 p.m., Artini is Bossier Arts Council’s big fundraising event for the year will kick off at Sam’s Town Casino, raising funds for the nonprofit. During the event, local Shreveport-Bossier businesses submit their martini to a competition during the gala, attendees then sample each and one is selected as the best.
Each year, the event is themed to fit a local artist, whose work is highlighted during the event. 2024′s artist is Rachal McDonald, an LSUS assistant professor of digital arts and media.
McDonald grew up working on a ranch owned by family friends and taught horseback riding. Her art is inspired by the Old West and shows deep contrasts from dark to light, vivid color, western critters, and cowboy hats with stunning graphic design elements that make it pop. Her art perfectly fits the theme of Rhinestone Cowboy.
What was her reaction when she was selected?
When approached by Bossier Arts Council, Rachael was very excited.
“I was really excited and honored when they approached me about it,” McDonald said. “My first ArtIni was last year, and the event was a lot of fun and a great networking opportunity.”
“When they told me the theme, I was like oh my gosh, it’s so good, it’s so perfect,” said McDonald when she discovered Rhinestone Cowboy would be the theme. “I would say it fits my art style and influence.”
McDonald grew up in a household that constantly played old western movies.
“So, I’ve always gravitated towards that old Hollywood aesthetic and big personalities like Clint Eastwood,” McDonald explains. ” There is something about mixing that and mixing graphic design and painting, and I’ve just kinda been dabbling with that style for awhile.”
She is a mixed-media artist who works with graphic design elements, acrylic paint, and epoxy resin. In her process, she utilizes layering to create her stunning imagery.
What inspires her?
McDonald says she is inspired by a mixture of everything, everyday items, signage, especially antiques with solid illustrations and typography.
“There is a lot to learn from old solid graphic design, as far as composition and color,” says McDonald. “I’ve always been inspired by wildlife in Louisiana, so some of that makes it into my work.”
Why is Artini so important?
“The obvious would be as a really good social event just as a celebration of local arts,” says McDonald. “But, the Bossier Arts Council has always done so much for Bossier and the East Bank, and just the support they provide for local creatives is so important and really needed.”
Supporting the Bossier Arts Council and other organizations like it is important. Supporting those organizations supports the local arts, which can mean so much to any community.
Find Rachal McDonald’s work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rrrach.mcd/.
For more information about Artini, check out KSLA’s interview at https://www.arklatextoday12.com/2024/04/17/artinis-theme-is-rhinestone-cowboy/.
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