Baton Rouge artists shine with Pop! Smart Show

Photo by Collin Richie

Neda Parandian has a knack for networking with local artists.

And this summer, she has shown off that talent with her arts series Pop! Smart Show.

The exhibit showcases local visual, performing and digital artists. This month’s show takes place Wednesday, Aug. 19, at The Varsity, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Tickets are $8. Featured artists include photographer Travis Robertson, graphic designer Gabriel Aguilar and visual artist Carl Jacobson. The show also features interactive robotics demonstrations, live music, food and wine.

This will be the second show in a series that will be ongoing. She says the debut show in June gained more than $1,000 in sales for the exhibitors.

That connection between the artist and the audience is Parandian’s goal. She wants to provide more economic support for Baton Rouge artists.

“I naturally enjoy helping other people,” she says. “My theory is we can do a lot more for each other as a group, rather than five small separate groups. I want to be able to bring a voice to the artists. It’s a difficult marketplace, so we have to create it ourselves.” popsmartshow.com