New Orleans flair

While most things float south from Cape Girardeau to end in New Orleans, sometimes a gem travels upstream. Exhibit A: Will Page, a New Orleans artist with a show at the Aartful Rose this month.

Page doesn't paint scenery from New Orleans. His works are more abstract. But to me his color palette evokes unmistakable NOLA emotion and energy. It's not the typical purple, green and gold, but it works.

He somehow works the Superdome and other indistinct, but definitely New Orleans elements into many of the works. And if those don't give his origins away, his ample use of the fleur de lis will.

He incorporates his town into his art not just in imagery, though. Page uses salvaged objects from around the Crescent City instead of canvas. He paints on window frames from flooded homes, tablecloths from local restaurants and other would-be discarded backdrops.

With Mardi Gras only a few weeks away, Aartful Rose seems to be celebrating early. Chef James Coley has been making gumbo and other Big Easy treats all week.

I wanted to post a gallery of Page's pieces online, but viewing the art in person amplifies the experience. His work will be up at the Aartful Rose during February. Page will be at an opening reception from 5 to 10 p.m. today.