Man makes treasures of his own

By Marcus Frazier (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Tuesday, November 6, 2007

NATCHEZ — Travel down Main Street and make a left into Locust Alley. It’s a quick jump from the bustling business in downtown Natchez to the calmness of an empty meadow-like alley.

Perhaps that is what drew assemblage artist Owen Shugard to the place.

Shugard can be found working diligently in the alley — assembling. Shugard recently purchased the old Sears Automotive building located at 108 North Union St. and its garage door in Locust Alley.

Walk by and you may find Shugard sitting with the alley-end garage door up, picking through the many, many items he has collected. He dissects them for the sake of art.

“I collect whenever I can” Shugard said. “But each piece has to have its own sculptural integrity.”

The alley-end of Shugard’s workspace is filled with things ranging from fine rugs to 8-foot tall wrought iron fence post. The table Shugard works on is a cornucopia of trinkets itself. Shugard choices range from piano innards to tape measures to things that some may have never dreamed. After picking and choosing, dismantling and connecting, Shugard’s end result is always an item that has an abundance of personality all itself.

“It’s a lot of found art,” Shugard said. “I pick up things at antique shows and auctions. My dad was into antiques and fine art so I’ve been into art since I was a kid.”

And with a bachelor’s degree in art history and a minor in fine art, Shugard is a product of the art world.

“A friend talked me into moving to Natchez about two years ago and since I’ve been here Natchez offered up the chance for me to finally have my own studio and gallery with the affordable prices on buildings,” Shugard said.

With plans to divide his two story building into four 500-square-foot studios and a gallery Shugard said he wants to be a part of the movement to bring more art to Natchez.

“I myself would encourage any artist to move to Natchez just because of the atmosphere,” he said.

Shugard’s studio will be open to the public during the Natchez Artist Studio Tour on Nov. 24 when he and two other local artists will display their work there.

For information Shugard can be contacted at 601-597-9610