A new exhibit on display through Feb. 24 at Masur Museum will feature Elvis Presley.


A poster hanging in the latest Masur Museum exhibition "Elvis On His Own in Shreveport" advertises tickets to a 1956 performance in Buffalo, N.Y., for $1.75. Times have definitely changed, but one thing that hasn't changed according to Lou Davenport Kavanaugh, is people's love for Elvis Presley. She sees it in the faces of the people coming through the doors of the museum.

"It's a little different for us, but it's been a lot of fun," Kavanaugh said of the exhibit. "So many new faces have come through the door."

The show focuses on 40 black and white photographs taken by Shreveport photojournalists Jack Barham and Langston McEachern, most depicting Elvis in his final performance in Shreveport on Dec. 15, 1956.

It was a benefit concert for the YMCA that was stipulated in the buyout of his Louisiana Hayride contract. It's also the show where Horace Logan first uttered the famous words, "Elvis has left the building," as he tried to convince screaming fans to keep their seats.

Last week, a relative of Logan's, who was also a black and white photographer, came in to view the exhibit. That's what makes it interesting for Davenport.

"We get to hear a lot of people's personal stories, if they saw or met Elvis," she said. "That's made it a lot of fun for us."

In fact, the Buffalo poster, along with a Presley autograph, came from just such fans, Hugh and Louise Miller, who recently moved to town.

"They were tickled to death to be in the show," Kavanaugh said. "They are huge Elvis fans."

In addition to the photos and historical information on Presley, the Masur also invited a variety of local artists to give their own unique takes on Elvis. Kavanaugh said no boundaries were placed on what the artists could produce.

"All we told them was to make it Elvis," she said. "It could be a song title, a portrait, something about Graceland. We got really diverse works because of the different interpretations. I don't think any of them let us down."

One of the most talked about pieces, Kavanaugh said, is Meredith Pardue's tribute to Graceland, which features a clear, blue sky with a capital G etched out in rhinestones. Other contributing artists included Kavanaugh herself, Thomas Collner, Adam Davenport, Enoch Doyle Jeter, Randy H. Jolly, Stephanie Malone Jordan, Doug Kennedy, Hugh Miller, Louise Miller, Joni Noble, Lesley Silver, Joy Surles, Linda Snider Ward, Robert Ward and Edmund Williamson.

Other attractions are also proving a hit, Kavanaugh said. Visitors can view a film about 1956 and Elvis in one area of the gallery, and the museum is decorated with a "Blue Christmas" theme. There's also a life-size Elvis on the door and a cardboard cutout that catches people's interest.

"We've taken several people's pictures with Elvis," Kavanaugh said with a laugh.

For Kavanaugh, the exhibit is the fruition of something she's wanted to see for a long time, and she thinks it's a good thing to show a wider range of people what the museum is about.

"It's an opportunity to do different things, lighthearted things, because some people might feel intimidated by the museum," she said. "This will sho them that the Masur Museum really is a fun place and a friendly place. We try to appeal to everyone."

What: "Elvis On His Own in Shreveport"
When: Through Feb. 24
Where: Masur Museum of Art, 1400 South Grand St., Monroe
Cost: FREE
Info: 329-2237
 

Posted:  27th. December 2007