FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Emma Boone
Public Relations & Digital Content Manager
Visit Shreveport-Bossier
eboone@visitshreveportbossier.org
318-588-2248
June 14, 2025
Towns Along Northwest Louisiana’s National Scenic Byway Celebrate New Artist-Designed Gateway Signs
Caddo Parish – Today marks the launch of a creative collaboration between the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC), Visit Shreveport-Bossier, and the Parish of Caddo, unveiling 9 new artist-designed gateway signs that celebrate the culture, scenery, and history of the nationally accredited Boom or Bust Byway, a 137-mile scenic route winding through Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and Claiborne Parishes.
The project reflects a major regional effort, with support and input from community leaders, artists, tourism advocates, and local governments across all four parishes. By investing in public art and placemaking, the initiative aims to encourage deeper exploration of rural communities, bring economic activity, and highlight the unique character of each town along the byway.
A dedication for the signs was held this morning in Gilliam, Louisiana, during the annual Sunflower Trail & Festival on the grounds of the historic Linda Lay Church. The remaining signs, located in Belcher, Homer, Hosston, Lake Claiborne, Oil City, Plain Dealing, Sarepta, and Vivian are scheduled to be installed by the end of summer 2025.
Commissioned through a 2023 regional artist call, these laser-cut, metal sculptures were designed by Northwest Louisiana artists. From sunflower fields and bayous to pine forests and oil derricks, each piece was carefully crafted to reflect the unique stories and heritage of the community it represents.
The regional artists are as follows:
- Karin Ebbesson – Belcher & Plain Dealing signs
- Julie Burton – Gilliam sign
- Brittney Hazelton – Hosston & Homer signs
- Whitney Tates – Lake Claiborne sign
- Lisandra Di Liberto Torres – Oil City sign
- Garrett Carlson – Sarepta sign
- Dorthy Kristen Hanna – Vivian sign
QR codes at each site will invite visitors to dive deeper into local shops, attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems across the region.
Stretching from Mooringsport to Lake Claiborne, the Boom or Bust Byway is recognized as one of the 187 roads classified as an American Byway. Named for the historic oil boom that shaped many towns along its route, the Boom or Bust Byway is nationally categorized as a distinct and diverse road with its outstanding scenery, culture, and historic qualities.
The route offers a slower paced, authentic Louisiana experience through oil boomtowns, farmland, and picturesque communities.
Early summer is the perfect time to take a weekend trip down the Boom or Bust Byway and stay at a luxury cabin on the lake, a restored Conestoga Wagon on a hillside, OR a former fire station turned Airbnb. Travelers can discover antique shops, hometown restaurants serving regional favorites, and cultural landmarks that capture the spirit of each community. For more information on the Boom or Bust Byway, visit here.
This regional project would not have been possible without many community partners. Thank you to the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, Visit Shreveport-Bossier, the Parish of Caddo, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, the Webster Parish Police Jury, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, PPT Corp, Dixie Weld-Fab, Martin Specialty Coatings, SignIt!, and all the participation from communities along the Byway.
###
To discover more about Northwest Louisiana's National Scenic Byway,
the Boom or Bust Byway, visit here.
For more information on what’s happening in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, visit www.VisitShreveportBossier.org.
The Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) has been Developing, nurturing, promoting, engaging and educating the people of Northwest Louisiana about the Arts, maximizing access to the Arts since 1976.
