Marshall Street Railroad Underpass Bridge and Cotton Street murals

West wall mural at Marshall Street Train Underpass

Apparently the Marshall Street underpass bridge is one of the first of its kind.  It was an early railroad underpass that allowed traffic to cross railroad lines.  Built in 1920 by the Kansas City Southern Railroad (KCS).  For a whole other subculture of 'bridge enthusiasts' see Bridgehunter.com for other rusty structures. Between the two bridges here there is a nice faded and weathered mural, originally designed by Ali Bahler, and painted by several local Shreveport Artists.

Marshall Street Train Overpass 

Marshall Street Train Overpass mural

Marshall Street Train Overpass 

Underpass murals on Marshall Street and Cotton Street

several "Architectural Details of Shreveport" murals by Roberto Salas, these ones are based on the Mandala-style medallions of the Municipal Auditorium. (according to Downtown Shreveport.com )

Roberto Salas Architectural Design

Roberto Salas marker sign

Roberto Salas Architectural Design 

Roberto Salas Architectural Design

businesses at Lake Street and Marshall Street

World's Only Tattoo School mural
Located on Lake Street, on the east wall of World's Only Tattoo School, at the opposite end of the row of businesses that are nearest the Marshall Street overpass, this very colorful seaside mural blends in with live tropical plants .  It is fenced off, but is signed by J.C. Signs & Art.
Worlds' Only Tattoo School is the first tattoo school to be licensed as a trade school.  Dr. Pogue, chiropractor, started the school in 1968, and has even had a tv show made of his school.  See more about the school at Tattoo-school.com.


           


Shreve Systems USA mural

PAINTED OVER DECEMBER 2012

The oldest and largest Recycler of Macs and Apple Equipment in the World  http://www.shrevesystems.com
This tall mural can be seen from I-20, and is located just south of the underpasses on Marshall Street.

"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"