Oftentimes, all it takes to shift a culture is the vision, dedication, & action of one person. For the arts culture of Monroe-West Monroe, that person was Edmund Williamson. As a distinguished multimedia artist, Edmund Williamson set out to bring art to our community through his large, vibrant public sculptures, paintings & portraits.

"the interaction with art makes for a more perceptive and rich life."

Edmund Williamson

As a multifaceted artist, Edmund Williamson created a variety of works varying from portraits & paintings to murals & sculptures. His vibrant community monuments & installations have become cultural landmarks for Monroe & West Monroe.

Credited for commencing the bustling arts culture revival of Downtown Monroe, Edmund began the resurgence by opening his gallery, Lost Bazaar, in a once closed-off alleyway on N. 2nd street in Downtown Monroe. In 2010, that small alley way was reborn into what we know now as Art Alley- a convergence not seen until after Willamson’s death in 2009.

Leaving behind a vast body of work, Edmund Williamson’s immense talent is still on full display in the community. His paintings & drawings light up homes & museums across Ouachita Parish & beyond. His signature sculptures give color & life to our Downtowns, and his memory is still kept alive in our community through the arts resurgence of Monroe-West Monroe.

The Trenton Flowers on Antique Alley

In a 2001 interview with The News-Star, Williamson said "It's important to exhibit art, because whether it is seeing a mural or a sculpture, attending a gallery show, playing on a sculpture, viewing a poster or a stage set — the interaction with art makes for a more perceptive and rich life."

His works on public display include: Maypop in Downtown Monroe at Palace Park, the Trenton Flowers on Antique Alley in Downtown West Monroe, the Tomato Worm at the West Monroe Community Center, and the Great Blue Heron at Restoration Park in West Monroe.

Maypop in Downtown Monroe

The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council will showcase the work of treasured Region 8 artist Edmund Williamson with a special exhibition titled “A Retrospective: Celebrating the Life & Work of Edmund Williamson”. The exhibition will be held at The Gallery on 118 Cotton Street in Downtown West Monroe from June 6th - July 3rd. The opening reception is on Thursday, June 6th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, in conjunction with the Downtown Gallery Crawl. A special time of sharing with Williamson’s family & friends will begin at 6:30pm.

The exhibition will feature works on loan from private collectors, friends and family across the area. A virtual gallery can soon be viewed on the Arts Council's website that will feature these works, as well as other works from across the country that were unable to be featured in the live exhibition.