Step into the enchanting world of artist, writer, and director Joe Bluhm as he unveils his first solo exhibition, CUMULUS, at artspace in Downtown Shreveport. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the life and work of an artist navigating the challenges of raising a family locally while pursuing a successful career in art and film internationally.
CUMULUS showcases Joe Bluhm's remarkable journey as a visual storyteller and his ability to create art that resonates globally while remaining rooted in North Louisiana. The exhibition features a collection of animation projects and illustrated stories completed over the past five years, each infused with uplifting and positive themes. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes process of animation and storytelling, witnessing character design, storyboards, concept images, background paintings, and illustrations, among other stunning works.
The exhibition marks a significant milestone in Joe Bluhm's artistic career. In 2020, he received the Critic's Choice visual artist award at the 8th annual CRITICAL MASS exhibition. Now, Bluhm returns with CUMULUS, an inspiring showcase that embodies the spirit of his work—celebrating love, acceptance, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of challenges.
The CUMULUS Exhibition Opening is scheduled for Friday, August 11, at artspace, at 5:30 PM and running until 8:30 PM. The opening night will feature a special review from the Critical MASS 8 critic Shantay Robinson, who selected Bluhm's work as Critic’s Choice and awarded him with the chance for his first solo show. The review starts at 7:00PM.
Commenting on the significance of the exhibition, Joe Bluhm shared, "This show represents what's possible when a working artist embraces their dreams and aspirations, even amidst the responsibilities of raising a family and building a home. I hope to inspire fellow artists in North Louisiana to find fulfillment in their artistic pursuits and realize that their creative goals can align with their professional careers."
Born and raised in rural Laceyville, PA, Joe Bluhm honed his artistic skills at the Cleveland Institute of Art before embarking on a remarkable journey that led him to work on acclaimed projects in animation, advertising, and picture books. His work with Moonbot Studios resulted in an Academy Award-winning short film and an Emmy Award-winning commercial, further establishing him as a professional in the industry. In the last 5 years (since finding his wife, his home, and having two children) Joe has been illustrating and writing picture books, writing unique stories for film and animation, and is now working with SWAYBOX on several projects, including a feature film.
"CUMULUS" runs from August 11 to October 28, 2023, at artspace in Shreveport, LA. The exhibition promises to be an exceptional celebration of art, storytelling, and the resilience of the human spirit. Joe will return Thursday, August 24 for an artist talk from 5:30-7:00pm. The exhibition, artist talk and opening reception are free and open to the public.
Also opening upstairs at artspace on August 11, HUEMANEiTY, an exhibition by Dominique McLemore. Dominique produces works that are relevant to societal, political and even sometimes taboo topics. His artwork is an attempt to start conversations, invoke emotions and make his viewers know that it is okay to think for themselves.
About artspace: artspace is a vibrant hub for contemporary arts in Shreveport, LA. Committed to supporting and promoting local artists, artspace provides a dynamic platform for showcasing diverse artistic expressions.