NATCHITOCHES – The “Heart in Hands” art car has been on display to greet guests attending the Northwestern State University Christmas Gala at the Natchitoches Events Center and will appear again next weekend as the Gala is presented at Shreveport’s historic Strand Theatre. The Mazda RX-8 will be positioned in front of each venue so that individuals can take pictures with the vehicle, completed as an interdisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) project with input from students and faculty from several academic departments.
This year’s design is based on the theme of giving, according to Professor of Art Collier Hyams. The car will be featured in Saturday’s Christmas Festival Parade, which begins at 1 p.m. and rolls through downtown Natchitoches.
The project was made possible by CAPA, NSU Christmas Gala, NSU Facilities and Mazda North American Operations. Pixus Printers of Lafayette printed the design.
“The design includes elements of the Gala animation segment ‘O Rolly Night’ and a nod to Dr. Seuss,” Hyams said.
Last year’s art car was a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts.
The Christmas Gala will be performed at the Natchitoches Events Center at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance through the School of Creative and Performing Arts website, capa.nsula.edu.
Performances at the Strand Theatre will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission plus processing fees and may also be purchased through capa.nsula.edu. Students from NSU and Bossier Parish Community College can attend the Gala at the Strand at no charge, but must RSVP in advance at https://www.nsula.edu/gala/student-rsvp-to-gala-at-the-strand/
