Representing NSU at the unveiling were, from left, Laurie Morrow, Ethan McManus, Corbin Covher, Gwen Fontenot and Jill Leo.
NATCHITOCHES – A colorful 7-foot sculpture that blends a tell-tale sign of spring in Natchitoches – the tulip – with a Christmas lights concept was unveiled in the BOM Bank courtyard, 814 Washington Street, March 10, the latest installment of the Natchitoches in Bloom project. The sculpture was fabricated by Professor of Art Corbin Covher with a design by NSU alum Ethan McManus of Alexandria.
Natchitoches in Bloom is a public art project created by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission and Cane River National Heritage Area in partnership with Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts.
“For my design, I wanted to play with the obvious and contrast two seasons Natchitoches is best known for, spring and Christmas,” McManus said. “Using an iconic Christmas light bulb illustration with an altered color palette of ‘spring,’ my vision was to accentuate the overall height and bold shape of the tulip sculpture to create a striking gesture relatable to the city’s festivals.”
McManus graduated from NSU in 2014 and is one of Covher’s former students. He continues to paint and create art with watercolor and colored pencils as his preferred medium. He is currently the spotlight artist for the month of March at the Alexandria Museum of Art gift shop.
“I enjoy painting landscapes and portraits of people and places I see daily,” he said. “I have had the honor creating three festival posters for the annual Pecan Festival in Colfax, as well as being exhibited in a few of Louisiana’s art galleries and museums as I try to continue to enter art shows and competitions.”
“The Natchitoches in Bloom project came about as a way to bring public art to the Historic District and to recognize flowers that have significance to the history of Natchitoches,” said Rebecca Blankenbaker, director of Cane River National Heritage Area. Other installments are a poinsettia at the Santa Claus House, a zinnia in Beau Jardin and a magnolia at the Susan Harling Robinson Memorial Park. An upcoming installment is planned for City Park.
The tulip sculpture was placed in honor of Sharon Gahagan and her dedication to preserving and developing the Historic District. The unveiling took place in tandem with the 20th anniversary celebration of BOM Bank Financial Services.
Covher has been involved with Art in Bloom since its beginning and introduced the idea of placing different types of flower sculptures that hold significant meaning to Natchitoches around the city.
“As an artist, it is an honor to be a part of something that will last for a very, very long time,” McManus said. “I think having different flower sculptures makes for a fun and clever collection of hidden gems that blend and promote natural heritage with local art.”