Two 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 exhibition, presented by The Helis Foundation, runs from August 1, 2026, to February 14, 2027, marking its 15th anniversary.
Louisiana Contemporary, launched in 2012, is an annual juried exhibition that celebrates artists living in Louisiana and showcases the vitality of artistic practice across the state. Since its inception, the exhibition has featured work by more than 650 artists, establishing itself as a significant moment on the national arts calendar. This year, juror Sarah Jones, 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,” are among those selected. They are currently displayed at Wine Art Gallery, a venue that 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 from underrepresented groups. Wine Art Gallery describes itself as a diverse mixture of local, British, French, and Spanish artists, and is located on Gallery Row in the Arts District of New Orleans, near Michelin-starred restaurants Emeril’s and Peche.
The selection of Skehan’s work underscores the gallery’s mission to amplify diverse voices and highlights the continued relevance of Louisiana Contemporary as a platform for emerging and established artists. The exhibition not only recognizes individual talent but also reinforces the cultural significance of New Orleans and Louisiana as hubs for artistic innovation. As the Ogden Museum prepares to host this milestone edition, the inclusion of works from Wine Art Gallery exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines the state’s arts community.
