Two paintings by artist Pam Skehan, currently on view at Wine Art Gallery in New Orleans, have been selected for the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The works, "Woman in Waiting" and "Tipping Point," were chosen by juror Sarah Jones, Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang Head of Live Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, from over 1,786 submissions. The exhibition, which runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027, marks its 15th anniversary this year.
Louisiana Contemporary, presented by The Helis Foundation, is an annual juried exhibition that celebrates artists living in Louisiana and showcases the vitality of artistic practice across the state. Since its launch in 2012, the exhibition has featured work by more than 650 artists, establishing itself as a significant event on the national arts calendar. This year, Jones selected 50 works by 45 artists, and Skehan's inclusion underscores the quality and relevance of her work within the broader context of contemporary Southern art.
Skehan's paintings are currently displayed at Wine Art Gallery, a venue dedicated to supporting emerging and underrepresented artists. The gallery, located on Julia Street in New Orleans' Arts District, emphasizes diversity, with over 80% of its represented artists being female or from underrepresented backgrounds. Wine Art Gallery seeks to give a voice to artists who may not otherwise have one, blending local talent with international artists from the UK, France, and Spain.
The selection of Skehan's work for Louisiana Contemporary highlights the ongoing importance of regional exhibitions in amplifying diverse artistic voices. As the Ogden Museum continues to recognize and celebrate creative talent from Louisiana, this year's exhibition promises to offer a compelling snapshot of the state's artistic landscape. For more information about the exhibition, visit the Ogden Museum's website.
