Paintings by artist Pam Skehan, currently on view at Wine Art Gallery, have been selected by curators from The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The annual juried exhibition, presented by The Helis Foundation, celebrates artists living in Louisiana and showcases the vitality of artistic practice across the state.
Now marking its 15th anniversary, Louisiana Contemporary has featured work by more than 650 artists since its inception in 2012. The exhibition has established itself as a significant event on the national arts calendar, recognizing and celebrating the breadth of creative voices emerging from New Orleans and arts communities throughout Louisiana.
Sarah Jones, Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang Head of Live Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, served as juror for this year's exhibition. From over 1,786 submissions, Jones selected 50 works by 45 artists, including Skehan's paintings "Woman in Waiting" and "Tipping Point."
The Louisiana Contemporary exhibition runs from August 1, 2026, through February 14, 2027, at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans.
Currently, Skehan's selected paintings can be viewed at Wine Art Gallery, which aims to give back to emerging artists while honoring the unique history of New Orleans. The gallery actively seeks new local talent and international artists, with over 80% of its represented artists being female or underrepresented. Wine Art Gallery is located on Julia Street in the Arts District, among other galleries on Gallery Row, and near two Michelin-starred restaurants, Emeril's and Peche.
The selection of Skehan's work by a Metropolitan Museum of Art curator underscores the importance of regional exhibitions like Louisiana Contemporary in providing a platform for local artists. The exhibition not only highlights the diversity of artistic expression in Louisiana but also offers artists like Skehan national recognition. This year's show, celebrating its 15th anniversary, continues to elevate the state's art scene and affirm its place in the broader cultural landscape.
