Artist Pam Skehan has achieved a significant milestone as two of her paintings, "Woman in Waiting" and "Tipping Point," were selected by juror Sarah Jones, the Lulu C. and Anthony W. Wang Head of Live Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 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 runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027. Since its launch in 2012, Louisiana Contemporary has become a cornerstone of the national arts calendar, showcasing the vitality of artistic practice across Louisiana and featuring work by over 650 artists.
Jones selected 50 works by 45 artists from more than 1,786 submissions, underscoring the competitive nature of the juried exhibition. Skehan's inclusion highlights her growing prominence in the art world. Currently, her paintings can be viewed at Wine Art Gallery, which is dedicated to supporting emerging artists and honoring New Orleans' rich cultural history. The gallery actively seeks out local talent and also represents international artists from Britain, France, and Spain, with over 80% of its artists being female or underrepresented.
Wine Art Gallery is located on Julia Street in the Arts District of New Orleans, an area known as Gallery Row, which is anchored by two Michelin-starred restaurants, Emeril's and Peche. The gallery's mission is to give a voice to artists who might otherwise go unheard, making Skehan's selection a testament to the gallery's success in promoting diverse artistic voices. The Louisiana Contemporary exhibition itself celebrates the breadth of creative voices emerging from New Orleans and arts communities throughout the state, and Skehan's participation marks a notable achievement in her career.
