Marshall artist presents ‘The Obscure Artworks of DenoArt,’ opening reception Friday | CPT PPP Coverage

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For dozens of years, the artwork of Dennis O’Bryant has graced local landmarks and homes, for both public and private viewing.

This Friday, the local artist will reveal more of his massive masterpieces in a special public viewing, dubbed the “The Obscure Artworks of DenoArt”, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Marshall’s new art gallery, the Haven Artists Collective, located at 115 E. Austin St. from Friday, Jan. 17, through Feb. 28.

O’Bryant said he’s thrilled to have his art exhibited in Haven, owned by Jean Scott Bradley Benson.

“Some of the stuff I’ve shown numerous times in Shreveport,” said O’Bryant, a Shreveport native. Many of the other pieces are rare creations that haven’t received much exposure outside of the comfort of his Marshall home.

“As I was looking around with all my stuff in my house, there was quite a few things that were odd that never made in my regular art shows, so therefore, the title is: ‘The Obscure Artworks of DenoArt.’”

“The bulk of the work is some of my obscure artwork that didn’t get a lot of Facebook attention, didn’t get a lot of show attention, a couple were in my backyard — metal pieces, clay art, a couple were in my wash room.”

Special pieces such as his very first painting from 1974, is also included in the upcoming exhibit, rekindling some fond memories.

“I’m 65, so I was right at my teens and my parents bought me a little art kit,” shared O’Bryant. “So I got my first painting from 1974 in the show.”

Unique creations resembling the splattered patterns of the psychological Rorschach test are also on display.

“There’s some in my studio where my easel is and my pallet…I fold up paper towels and use it as a blotter, so there’s some paper towels that are there under glass,” said O’Bryant. “They’re kind of like Rorschach patterns. This guy did these splatters and used it in psychological tests, so when I did my blotter, I unfolded the paper towels and it looked kind of cool. It’s about a half dozen of those under glass.”

Other paintings include his travels including to Jamaica, the masquerade revelry of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, and special attractions such as Shreveport’s renowned Strand Theatre.

“I did that in 1984,” he said of his artistic portrayal of the Strand Theatre, sharing that was his very first official masterpiece as he made his professional debut into the art world.

“I have self portraits and some obscure clay pieces,” noted O’Bryant. “I have some of my oldies, but goodies in the show. I’ve got about 55 pieces of artwork there.”

For O’Bryant, art has been his longtime labor of love that he’s grateful to share. Downtown Marshall alone boasts more than 120 pieces of his artwork in various places.

He has artwork displayed in the Sidebar attorney war room, the Rosario restaurant building, local law offices, Tavolo 13 at Pietros, Blue Frog Grill, Mike’s Shoe Store, Cajun Tex, Marshall Depot Museum and more.

“So, in about a four-block area from the Haven, I have over 120 pieces of artwork downtown in various places,” shared O’Bryant, noting many of the pieces were commissioned work of downtown staples and businesses. Others he’s given as gifts. O’Bryant is humbled by the exposure.

“God was very generous with my skills,” the artist said.

In the nearly 30 years he’s been a resident of Marshall, O’Bryant said he’s been appreciative of all feedback he’s received.

“People see different things. People have been very generous with the comments. I’ve also had to take a critique here and there,” said O’Bryant. “It’s a skill God gave me. I’ve been using it. I’ve been in Marshall coming up 30 years. I’ve done well.”

“It’s humbling for one thing because you’re kind of putting your stuff out there. But I’ve been fortunate with good comments, good sales, and good commissions,” he said as he invited all to come to his opening art reception Friday.