"Call To Action" by Ali Bahler, Crockett Street

Artist Ali Bahler in front of her "Call To Action" mural on Crockett Street

"Call to Action" by Ali Bahler

"Call to Action" by Ali Bahler

"Call to Action" by Ali Bahler

What a wonderful mural! I actually got to meet the Artist, Ali Bahler, as she was preparing to work on the mural.  She was nice enough to let me take a picture of her and speak with me for a few minutes.  She told me about the challenges of creating a mural, from the design process and having incorrect building measurements, to getting permission to use Elvis' likeness, and the difficulty in creating a lasting piece of artwork in the heat, humidity, and changing weather of the South.  Ali also told me about the prep work on the actual substrate that needs to be done and the steps that will be taken to create a lasting masterpiece for Shreveport.  She says that the project was started in 2010 and when it is finished there will be neon embellishments around several aspects of the mural and also motion activated lighting that will light up as people walk past, so it can be an always engaging art piece.  She also described the different parts of the picture that represent the Shreveport area from Elvis, to the dancing Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, to the influence of southern food, architecture, culture, arts, and native heritage. She said there were several dual meaning parts of the mural and also several hidden pictures, such a dog with the children in the fountains, a dove on the horse and racer, and a needle sewing a bleeding heart.

It was a pleasure to meet Ali Bahler and I wish her all the luck in completing her work of love. 

Check out her profile page with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council here.
"Call To Action" article in TheForum

More on Jerry and Tamara Davenport and their positive influence on the Shreveport community.

And check her out in the music video she is featured in by Yung Nation "Cali Girls Go"