The crowd at Art Melt 2014. Photos by Stephanie Landry / courtesy Art  Melt.

Art so hot, you’ll melt

Forum 35’s 12th annual Art Melt celebrates Louisiana

You can hear the sense of wonder in her voice as Ellen Mathis recalls her favorite piece from last year’s Art Melt.

“It was this black-and-white photograph of a man in a prison uniform,” she says. “He’s looking straight at the camera, holding a bouquet of flowers. Those eyes just jump straight out at you.”

Mathis has been with Forum 35 for the past four years. This year, she’s the chair of its annual art-centered event.

“It’s such a diverse show,” she says. “These are not only pieces that celebrate Louisiana. There are also pieces that celebrate whatever these artists are feeling. You get exposed to so many different ideas.”

Art Melt will celebrate its 12th year this month. The event is the largest juried art competition in the state, and it returns to Capitol Park Museum with a preview party Friday, July 24. The exhibit opens to the public Saturday, July 25.

This year’s jurors include Kitti Pheney (director of new initiatives at the LSU School of Art), Keene Kopper (founding executive and artistic director of May Gallery in New Orleans) and Patty Ortiz (an independent curator based in San Antonio).

By June, Forum 35 already had more than 250 submissions. Mathis is looking forward to finding inspiration in the new works.

“We’ll have more opportunities for kids and adults to get their hands dirty,” she says. “When you go, you get inspired by the art. We want everyone to participate in that celebration.”

Graffiti art from Art Melt 2014