Artist, designer and prominent figure in the Shreveport arts community Lewis Kalmbach dies

On Saturday, July 16 artist, designer and prominent figure in the Shreveport arts community Lewis Kalmbach died. Kalmbach is remembered most for opening a revolving art gallery in the airport Artport and in 2021 opened Big Sun Studios downtown continuing to showcase the hidden talent in Shreveport.

Kalmbach was raised in Shreveport and spent most of his life globetrotting before returning to Shreveport with his husband Greg Ott and son Jasper to settle down.

“Lewis Kalmbach was the epitome of a “Mover and Shaker.” Soon after The Philadelphia Center was established, Lewis created ArtPort in Shreveport’s airport terminal, which benefited the Center and our clients. His artistic influence in Shreveport cannot be underestimated," said Executive Director emeritus of the Philadelphia Center and Artistic Director at the Shreveport Little Theatre Dr. Robert Darrow. "Although his life was too brief, Lewis lived a well-traveled and extraordinarily creative and accomplished life.”

Kalmbach's commitment and passion for the arts and the determination to put Shreveport on the map as a place where artists could thrive and his love for life, is what the community remembers him best for.

"Lewis was so passionate about life! He made everything and everyone around him a little brighter. He had such a big heart, and never stopped caring and doing for others- even when he was the one who needed help," said Steven Galbraith. "He lives on through Jasper, Greg, and those of us were lucky enough to have known him."

Kalmbach returned to Shreveport in 2020 and began searching for a spot for a new art gallery. The abandoned one-time loan building on the corner of Edwards and Crockett downtown caught his eye and now is the home of Big Sun Studios.

The mission of this new gallery was to exhibit regional artists, serve as a meeting and event space where all were welcome and provide video production services to the community with the help of Kalmbach's nephew Julian Tizian.

"I have known about Lewis Kalmbach for years, but got to actually know him as he was searching for a downtown location for his gallery/art business, and later, as he was managing the business," recalled Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority Liz Swaine. "There's probably not much more I can say about his talent and creativity, but what stood out to me was his willingness to share his knowledge and to partner to make other downtown businesses and events better. He saw a bigger picture than just himself and acted on that. He was not part of downtown long and I regret that, but I am so happy we had him while we did."

A bright spot was created in the community thanks to the efforts of Kalmbach and his legacy will continue to improve the arts in Shreveport through the family and friends who were impacted by his passion and determination.

"Lewis I love you with all my heart, sweet friend. So many milestones in my life you were there lovingly reminding me to keep pushing through, saying, you can do it! I doubt you could know what a powerful loving generational influence you've been on my life and countless others," said Deborah Allen.

"The first time I met Lewis he scared me to death. During that time in my life, I was hiding, but he exuded fearlessness. Somewhere in his heart he must have known that there wasn’t time for fear. Everything he did was without hesitancy as if some other force were warning him not to waste a second. You can see it in his paintings. Steven and I have a painting of passion flowers he donated to the Philadelphia Center Auction Against AIDS. There’s no laboring over realism; instead he captures a moment on canvas almost as quickly as that moment has passed. Another thing I’ve noticed about his art is how bright the colors are, like the flash from a firework. Something brilliant but brief. Some folks called him “The Golden Boy,” maybe because he seemed to live a charmed life. I beg to differ. Rather than “charmed,” I believe he was charged with something few of us tap into during our much longer lifetimes; it’s a passion that consumes completely. Anyone who was close to Lewis knows what I’m talking about: he just couldn’t sit still. As soon as one project was complete, he was looking for the next. The morning after Lewis left his body and before I found out about it, I was washing dishes and looked up to see a hummingbird at the feeder. But this one was different. It didn’t drink and dart away immediately; it was suspended in midair, looking straight at me almost defiantly. Then it took a sip and hovered in front of me again. After taking another sip, it was gone as fast as it appeared. On to the next bright bloom," said Brad Campbell

Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Artist and art gallery owner in Shreveport Lewis Kalmbach has died