Le Mieux Galleries Presenting Pandemic-Inspired Art Exhibitions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on every state, city, and individual. The art community was impacted as well, but in a different way. The pandemic inspired a lot of artists to create new works. An exhibition of new art by two Louisiana artists, Shirley Rabe Masinter and Kathryn Keller, is opening at LeMieux Galleries. Receptions for both artists will be Saturday, January 9, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. The works will remain on display until Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Shirley Rabe Masinter will be showing her collection, Louisiana Now. The collection includes new oils, watercolors, and pencil drawings. Masinter's works show the characteristics of Louisiana during a world pandemic through architecture, corner stores, bars, and shotgun houses.

Kathryn Keller shows a new perspective of the pandemic, as her work focuses on farm life. Keller's collection, "Beautiful Isolation," was created on Inglewood Farm in Alexandria, which is the largest organic farm in Louisiana. The name of the collection represents how the pandemic allowed her time to isolate herself and focus on painting. The recent works that she has done were influenced by Hurricane Laura and the other storms that have left a lasting impact on Louisiana.

"Hurricane Laura blew through here and blew trees down and mangled the ones still standing," Keller says. "At first, I saw only destruction, but as I began to paint, I found a beautiful order in the chaos."

LeMieux Galleries has been dedicated to uniting seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts with artists who are committed to their vision. The Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., or by appointment. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the gallery asks that you contact them before visiting and remember to bring a mask.

332 Julia St., (504) 522-5988, lemieuxgalleries.com