Each May, the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (publisher of this blog) and the Shreveport-Bossier Attractions Association partner to present Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier. This month-long promotion of local attractions offers dozens of exclusive discounts, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes experiences in an effort to get locals in Shreveport-Bossier excited about their community.

One of the most unique events on the docket for 2019 is The Great Create, coming up at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at The Agora Borealis. During The Great Create, The Agora Borealis owner Katy Larsen will give participants a behind-the-scenes tour of the local arts marketplace. Following the tour, participants will work with featured artisan Ben Whalen, of Ben’s Body Basics, to create their own custom blend of essential oils in a roller ball-style applicator.

Like Ben’s Body Basics on Facebook.

This event will be especially of interest to anyone who wants to learn about essential oils, Whalen said.

“You’ll be able to learn about the botanicals that you’ll be using to custom-make a product specifically to meet your therapeutic need,” Whalen said. “I’ll be there to walk you through the process, step-by-step. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tickets for this hands-on experience are $25 each and may be purchased here.

The Agora Borealis is a local arts marketplace located at 421 Lake Street in Shreveport. Photo by Jim Noetzel.

Even if you’re not interested in essential oils, The Great Create is an opportunity to get to know two fascinating small businesses and the dynamic folks behind them. Whalen, a native of Shreveport who moved back from Chicago after being laid off from his corporate job, is quietly building a highly-regarded brand from right here in Shreveport. Larsen, who has some choice quotes in this recent Austin America-Statesman travel piece about Shreveport-Bossier, is as singularly devoted to empowering Shreveport-Bossier’s professional artists as anyone I’ve ever met. Both are fun to spend time with, and their positive energy is infectious.

Like the Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier Facebook page.
Enter to win a prize package courtesy of Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier (entries due by May 31, 2019).