About Artport

Artport, a collaboration between the Shreveport Regional Airport and KSM Marketing Agency, began in 1990 as an initiative by the Airport Beautification Committee to greet travelers arriving in Shreveport for the Independence Bowl. Initially conceived as a beautification project, it has since grown to foster a community of artists who find the exhibition both challenging and rewarding, showcasing their work throughout the airport corridors. Over the years, Artport has evolved into a dynamic event series, featuring the work of hundreds of local and regional artists. We aspire for Artport to remain a catalyst for artists to address community needs, emphasizing the importance of broadening our impact now more than ever.

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“…I believe the airport, as one of the first places many people see when they get here, is a great place to make a statement about our city. Artport will help make our airport a showplace for visitors and residents alike and it will be the challenge of artists to produce works that will be suitable for public facilities while remaining stimulating and expressive. Remember, the airport is not a museum or gallery where you expect to see art.”

– The Late Lewis Kalmbach, Artport Founder
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“I don’t believe there is any better way to welcome travelers into Shreveport than by displaying our city through the eyes of over 100 local and regional artists. Shreveport, much like art, is subject to a mountain of varying perspectives and opinions. Regardless of where you stand in the aisle, there is much about our city that is to be revered and celebrated. I’m thrilled for these artists and this initiative to showcase Shreveport in a way that invites a fresh outlook on its past, present and future.”

– Abigail Simmons, Current Director

*Credit: Paul L. Schuetze/The Times, Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times

2025 Theme

The History of Artport

1990

A beautification project was initiated at the Shreveport Regional Airport, inspiring local and regional artists to contribute to art displays – titled Artport. Founded by Lewis Kalmbach and Laura Noland Harter, this grassroots effort featured original artwork on revolving display. The project aimed to have artwork on display before the Independence Bowl tourism influx. The first show featured 114 artists, with each committing to producing an original piece of art on ceramic tiles for auction, benefiting the Philadelphia Center’s AIDS-fighting efforts during the opening night reception.

1991

In January and September, the second and third installations of Artport took place, respectively titled I Need A Vacation! and Flight. The first installment featured the work of 120 artists and the second installment was the first time that sculpture was introduced to the multimedia mix.

1993

In December, the sixth installment of Artport, titled Shooting for the Stars, featured celebrity-painted tiles to be included in the auction. Over 30 art tiles were sent in from celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Geoffrey Beene, Linda Ronstadt, Lily Tomlin, Mickey Rooney, and more.

1995

By the time of the seventh installment, the first of two in 1995, Artport had raised over $50,000 in support of the Philadelphia Center by way of the Opening Night Auctions.

1998

The tenth installment, titled Addresing the World From Shreveport, took a different form from previous installments. The airport was undergoing construction; thus the show was modified to a 100-page, hard-bound address book featuring 36 local and regional artists’ work who were on hand to autograph their pages. The event was held at Pierremont Mall.

2000

New, the 11th installment of Artport, returned to the airport following airport construction improvements.

2007

At the conclusion of the 13th installment, titled Up, Artport had raised over $75,000 for The Philadelphia Center.

2012

Ahead of the 14th installment, titled Paired, Artport sold from original founder, Lewis Kalmbach, to Cindy Smith, owner of Kalmbach Smith Meadows (now KSM Marketing Agency.) 90 artists were on display with two mirroring canvas, making for intriguing composition. The Opening Night Auction benefitted the Betty and Leonard Phillips Deaf Action Center and raised approximately $10,000.

2015

As the last installment for the next ten years, Artport 15 (titled Flying Colours) featured 100 artists and the Opening Night Auction benefitted the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, with celebrity tiles sent in from the Philadelphia Eagles, David Toms, Bode Miller and more.

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*Credit: Paul L. Schuetze/The Times, Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times

Meet The Artport Team

Meet the dedicated team driving Artport’s mission to showcase local talent.

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Larry Blackwell

Director of Airports

Shreveport Regional Airport

As Director of Airports since 2022, Mr. Blackwell serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, overseeing all activities and operations at Shreveport Regional Airport and the Downtown Shreveport Airport. 

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Mark Crawford

Marketing and Public Relations Manager

Shreveport Regional Airport

Mark has been with the airport for over 12 years, handling advertising and public relations, developing air service in collaboration with current and new airlines, and managing customer relations and experience.

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Abigail Simmons

Director

KSM Marketing Agency

The Business Development Manager at KSM Marketing Agency also wears many hats, including the significant role of Artport Director. While this is Abigail’s first year as Director, it is far from her first exposure to Artport.

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Cindy Smith

Former Director

KSM Marketing Agency

 With 8 Artport installations under her belt, including 6 under the direction of former boss and Artport founder, Lewis Kalmbach, and 2 as Artport Director in 2012 and 2015, Cindy, the owner of KSM Marketing Agency, is working behind the scenes to oversee the 2025 installation, ensuring its steady revitalization into a new era.

Brian Ledoux Media Director

Brian Ledoux

Media Director

KSM Marketing Agency

As Media Director at KSM Marketing Agency, Brian, now on his second round with Artport, plays a supportive role in bringing the 2025 installation to life, aiding in media relations and processing.

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Danielle Wallis

Lead Designer

KSM Marketing Agency

Danielle, the Lead Designer at KSM Marketing Agency, spearheads the team creating the visual magic of Artport, bringing her second roundabout with Artport to life.

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Hayley Foolkes

Graphic Designer

KSM Marketing Agency

Hayley, a Designer at KSM Marketing Agency, leads the design of the Artport’s new branding identity, website and collateral materials.

Special Thanks to

The Shreveport Regional Airport
Beautification Committee

“As I step into the Director role for the revitalization of Artport and future installments, I feel deeply honored. Lewis Kalmbach, the founder of Artport, held a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many, and I greatly appreciate his vision in creating it – as well as Cindy’s vision in sustaining it. For me, this endeavor goes beyond a mere project; it’s about fulfilling a legacy. I recognize that for legacies to endure, they must evolve, and I’m committed to spearheading the revival and revitalization of Artport to propel it into the next generation.”

— Abigail Simmons

Artport Director

Thank You to our Corporate Sponsors.