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.