Wine Art Gallery announced that paintings by artist Pam Skehan have been selected by curators from The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Louisiana Contemporary Exhibition at The Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The exhibition, presented by The Helis Foundation, runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027, at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans.
Louisiana Contemporary, launched in 2012, is an annual juried exhibition celebrating artists living in Louisiana and showcasing the vitality of artistic practice across the state. Now marking its 15th anniversary, the exhibition has featured work by more than 650 artists since its inception, establishing itself as a significant moment on the national arts calendar that recognizes and celebrates the breadth of creative voices emerging from New Orleans and arts communities throughout Louisiana.
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. Pam Skehan's paintings 'Woman in Waiting' and 'Tipping Point' were among those chosen and are currently on view at Wine Art Gallery.
Wine Art Gallery, located on Julia Street in New Orleans' Arts District, aims to give back to emerging artists while honoring the unique history of New Orleans. The gallery actively seeks new local talent and distinguishes itself by constantly searching for new international artists and giving a voice to underrepresented groups. Over 80% of its artists are female and underrepresented artists. The gallery represents a diverse mixture of local, British, French, and Spanish artists. Wine Art Gallery coexists with many galleries on Gallery Row, anchored by two Michelin Star restaurants—Emeril's and Peche—making Julia Street a cultural melting pot.
The selection of Skehan's works by a Met Museum curator underscores the quality and relevance of the artists represented by Wine Art Gallery. For leaders in business and technology, this recognition highlights the intersection of art and commerce in New Orleans, demonstrating how local galleries can gain national and international visibility. The inclusion of diverse and underrepresented artists aligns with broader trends in corporate diversity and inclusion, potentially inspiring tech and business leaders to consider similar partnerships with local arts organizations.
The Louisiana Contemporary exhibition provides a platform for artists like Skehan to reach a wider audience, and for businesses, it represents an opportunity to engage with the cultural fabric of the region. The Ogden Museum's partnership with The Helis Foundation exemplifies how philanthropic support can elevate regional art to a national stage. For more information about the exhibition, visit the Ogden Museum's website.
