The Ogden Museum of Southern Art has announced the selection of artist Pam Skehan for its Louisiana Contemporary exhibition, now in its 15th year. Juror Sarah Jones, the Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang Head of Live Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, chose 50 works by 45 artists from over 1,786 submissions. Skehan's paintings "Woman in Waiting" and "Tipping Point" are currently on view at Wine Art Gallery, which represents her work.
Louisiana Contemporary, presented by The Helis Foundation, launched in 2012 as an annual juried exhibition celebrating artists living in Louisiana. Since its inception, the exhibition has featured work by more than 650 artists, establishing itself as a significant moment on the national arts calendar. The exhibition runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027, at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans.
Wine Art Gallery, located on Julia Street in the Arts District, aims to give back to emerging artists while honoring New Orleans' storied history. The gallery actively seeks new local talent and international artists, with over 80% of its represented artists being female or from underrepresented backgrounds. "Wine Art Gallery is a diverse mixture of local artists, British artists, French artists, and Spanish artists," the gallery states. Its location on Gallery Row, anchored by Michelin-starred restaurants Emeril's and Peche, makes it a cultural melting pot.
The selection of Skehan's work by a Met curator underscores the importance of Louisiana Contemporary in recognizing creative voices from New Orleans and throughout the state. The exhibition provides a platform for artists like Skehan, whose work engages with themes of waiting and tipping points, reflecting broader societal undercurrents. As the exhibition marks its 15th year, it continues to highlight the vitality of artistic practice across Louisiana.
