The Southern University Visual Arts Gallery held its first art showcase of 2017 on Thursday, February 2.
Located in Frank Hayden Hall, the theme of the art showcase was “Colors of Culture,” and displayed an array of paintings created by New Orleans native Jerome Ford.
Randell Henry, Associate Professor of Visual Arts and Curator for the Southern University Visual Arts Gallery felt that it was important to have this showcase during Black History Month.
“Normally our shows open in January, but this year I decided that because Jerome Ford has captured the African American culture in such a vibrant way – with lots of colors and panels and designs – I wanted this show to start in the month of February.”
Henry describes Ford’s showcase as a ten-year retrospective, a series of work from the artist that has spanned a decade.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Ford’s work largely depicts the traditions, culture and every day lives of southern Louisianan’s.
Ford stated that his favorite artwork at the gallery is currently his newest creation, “The Two Rebeccas.”
“At some point their all my favorite but that’s just my favorite now because it’s the most recent one,” said Ford.
Ford then went into detail, describing the print making process he used to create “The Two Rebeccas.”
“With print making its always a surprise, you have an idea of what the outcome is going to be and when you pull the print is when you really realize what you have, so its always a surprise,” finished Ford.
Ford went on to mention how honored he felt being able to show his artwork inside the Frank Hayden Gallery, “I’m glad to see a nice crowd out, it’s always good to show and to have people come out and see your work,” said Ford adding, “To show on a college campus is really an honor so I’m honored that there’s a nice crowd here observing.”
Students in particular admired Ford’s piece, “The Beginning” which depicts two African-American children with halos above their heads playing a trumpet for the first time.
“It just caught my attention,” said sophomore biology major, Tiana Young while looking at the artwork “It was the first piece I looked at when I came in this room.”
Her sentiments for “The Beginning” were echoed by mass communication major, Kieosha Smith.
“The beginning is my favorite piece,” said Smith, adding that it felt really good being able to see these art pieces during Black History Month.
Art and history professor, Richard Walls also attended Thursday’s gallery opening and spoke briefly on what the art exhibit meant to him.
“I think it captures our history and brings us together as a community,” said Walls.
Southern University Visual Arts Department will have another showcase displaying Jerome Ford’s artwork on March 2, 2017 in Frank Hayden Hall at 6:00-8:00pm.
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Colors of Culture: New Orleans native featured in Black History Month Art exhibit
February 7, 2017

“The Beginning,” a piece created by New Orleans native Jerome Ford.
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