Monroe, Louisiana is a city with a rich artistic heritage that is worth exploring. From the iconic Frances Hotel to the Ouachita River Art Gallery, there is no shortage of art to discover. But what styles of artwork can be found in this vibrant city? The most visible and oldest of the Art Deco buildings in Monroe is the former Frances Hotel. This style of architecture was popularized in Europe and the United States in the late 1920s and 1930s, and was first introduced at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925. This style can be seen in a variety of building types throughout Monroe.
Brooke Foy is an artist and sculptor from West Monroe, Louisiana. He moved away from Louisiana for 10 years, but returned when he obtained an assistant chair at the University of Louisiana Monroe teaching art history and sculpture. Across the river, in West Monroe, you'll find the Ouachita River Art Gallery. This gallery is the largest and oldest artists' cooperative in Louisiana and houses dozens of works by artists from the Monroe area. In addition to these two galleries, there are also many public art projects throughout Monroe.
One such project was spearheaded by architect Charles Smith. Smith's firm designed several civic buildings in northern and eastern Louisiana in a classically inspired variation of the Art Deco style. The project also extended to include a mural featuring drawings from 282 children from the area. This project united everyone in the idea of community art, allowing them to participate. Monroe, Louisiana is home to a wide variety of artwork, from classic Art Deco buildings to modern public art projects.
Whether you're looking for sculptures or murals, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. From its iconic Frances Hotel to its public art projects, Monroe offers a unique artistic landscape that is sure to delight any art enthusiast. With its diverse range of styles and mediums, there's something for everyone to explore and appreciate in this vibrant city.
