The Bossier Arts Council annually recognizes a member of the Shreveport-Bossier community who has gone above and beyond in support of the arts. This year, the council is honoring someone who brought the art of joy into every room he entered.
Peter Lyons was a fixture of the Bossier Arts Council for years, not just a supporter, but a true collaborator. He led coffee cupping sessions and cocktail demonstrations that turned into some of the council’s most memorable classes, always teaching with the same showmanship and generosity he brought to everything in his life. He showed up for events, large and small, and he made ARTini a tradition of his own, competing in, winning, and judging the cocktail competition across multiple years.
“Peter didn’t just attend our events, he made them better. He’d walk in and the whole room would light up. This award is our way of saying “thank you” for every class he taught, every ARTini he showed up for, and every bit of joy he brought to this council.” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, Board President of the Bossier Arts Council. “Peter never missed ARTini and honoring him was a way to make sure his infectious smile and spirit would be with us and celebrated at the event.”
“Peter loved people, he loved experiences, and he had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. The Bossier Arts Council gave him a place to do so many of the things that came naturally to him — teach, entertain, create, laugh, and bring people together.
He would be deeply honored by this recognition. Peter never sought the spotlight for its own sake; what mattered to him was engaging with people and supporting the causes that were important to him. That was Peter. He showed up fully, gave generously, and somehow made everything more fun simply by being there.
Our family is incredibly grateful that the Bossier Arts Council is honoring Peter not only for what he contributed, but also for the spirit he brought with him every time he walked through the door.”
In addition to being involved with the Bossier Arts Council, Peter freely gave his time and energy with other organizations such as Prize Fest, PACE, Red River Revel, Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and Shreveport Symphony Guild. Peter Lyons passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 55. The Bossier Arts Council will present the 2026 Mover & Shaker Award to his family in his honor at ARTini on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Live! Casino and Hotel. ARTini is the Bossier Arts Council’s signature fundraiser, celebrating art, creativity, mixology, and community.
Tickets are on sale now at Artini2026.com.