November 17, 2017 - A grant from the Panola College Foundation allowed 20 Panola College students and their professors to visit the R.L. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, La., on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Students enrolled in art, photography, Spanish and humanities classes toured the museum and gardens with professors Dr. Kathy Watlington, Amanda Clements, and Teresa Beasley.
Participating were Tarsheanna Bauer, Gabrielle Berry, Madison Buck, Destiny Buffin, Melonie Caserta, Sheli Caserta, Evelyn Coleman, Brandon Castillo, Daria Eremeeva, Ekaterina Karchevskaya, Jazmine Graves, Tyesha High, Kayleigh Isbell, Nate Morris, Paola Rangel, Tyler Ryan, Mia Sartor, Sydnee Taylor, Vanessa Tirado and Kierra Ware.
The Norton Museum, a gift to the city of Shreveport from the R.L. Norton family, showcases paintings, drawings, and sculpture from American and European artists, along with antique firearms, silver, posters from the war years, and porcelain dolls representing historic figures from Louisiana and the South.
The expansive gardens behind the museum offer an array of native plants and trees, and includes outdoor sculptures, bridges and waterfalls. Thousands of azaleas bloom in the spring, and during the autumn season, camellias and fall foliage add color to the garden. The gardens serve more than an ornamental purpose. The Norton Museum has an ongoing project to improve honeybee habitat and food sources. The gardens are also home to a flock of ducks and chickens, and goldfish swim in the decorative ponds.
“We have been fortunate to secure a grant from the Panola College Foundation for several years,” said Teresa Beasley, photography and humanities professor. “While we have traveled to Houston and Fort Worth in the past, we have especially appreciated the opportunity to visit the R.L. Norton Museum. It’s a fine museum close to home. The exhibits and grounds are spectacular.”
A survey of participants revealed that all students appreciated the opportunity to tour the museum. One response read, “Students may never be exposed to these kinds of things without trips like these. I believe it really broadens your knowledge of art just to walk around.”
