Two paintings by artist Pam Skehan, currently on view at Wine Art Gallery, have been selected for the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The exhibition, now in its 15th year, is presented by The Helis Foundation and showcases the vitality of artistic practice across Louisiana.
The juried exhibition, which began in 2012, has featured work by more than 650 artists since its inception, establishing it as a significant moment on the national arts calendar. This year, juror Sarah Jones, the Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang Head of Live Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, selected 50 works by 45 artists from over 1,786 submissions. Skehan's paintings "Woman in Waiting" and "Tipping Point" were among those chosen.
The exhibition runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027, at the Ogden Museum. The museum launched Louisiana Contemporary to celebrate artists living in Louisiana and to recognize the breadth of creative voices emerging from New Orleans and arts communities throughout the state.
Wine Art Gallery, where Skehan's works are currently displayed, is located on Gallery Row in the Arts District of New Orleans. The gallery's goal is to give back to emerging artists while honoring the unique history of New Orleans. It actively seeks new local talent and international artists, with over 80% of its artists being female or underrepresented. The gallery is a diverse mixture of local, British, French, and Spanish artists, and is proud to coexist with other galleries in the area, anchored by Michelin Star restaurants Emeril's and Peche on Julia Street.
The selection of Skehan's paintings by a Met curator underscores the growing recognition of Louisiana artists on a national stage. For the local art community, this inclusion highlights the importance of venues like Wine Art Gallery in nurturing emerging talent and providing a platform for diverse voices. The exhibition at Ogden Museum not only celebrates individual artists but also reinforces Louisiana's role as a vibrant center for contemporary art.
