Upcoming Programming Explores Free People of Color in New Orlean

Exhibition, book, symposium and concert celebrate largest free-colored community

 This month, The Historic New Orleans Collection begins a series of programs examining free people of color and their legacy in New Orleans. Historically, free people of color, or gens de couleur libres, were people of African and often mixed Afro-European descent who had either been born into freedom or gained their liberty through other means. Before the Civil War, communities of free people of color flourished in several American cities, including Baltimore and Charleston, but New Orleans was home to the largest such population in the nation. In 1810, free people of color represented 29 percent of the city’s population.

From the city’s founding in 1718 to its sale to the United States in 1803, free people of color were often considered a third caste, one whose legal and social status placed them in a complicated position between the enslaved and free white populations. Like whites, they could own property, enter legal contracts, study and teach, work in many capacities and even amass personal wealth. Yet they were restricted in where they were allowed to live and travel and were required to show deference to former masters. As the 19th century progressed, bureaucratic measures threatened and ultimately limited the community’s rights.
After the Civil War, the world permanently changed for New Orleans’s free people of color. Although in theory freedom brought opportunities, in practice, Reconstruction eroded the community’s standing. Those who were once set apart by their economic, cultural and even civic participation found themselves categorized with former slaves as “black,” their pre-war contributions brushed aside.
With an exhibition, book, symposium and concert, The Collection strives to bring to the light the history of free people of color and how its members dealt with issues of race, class and ethnicity.

Programming Details

Exhibition
“In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre–Civil War New Orleans”
January 20–April 20, 2011
533 Royal St.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Opening Reception: Friday, February 4, 2011, 6–8 p.m.
Free and open to the public.

Julien Hudson, one of the earliest documented free artists of color in American art history, was born into freedom in 1811. The son of a free woman of color and a white English merchant, he began studying art as a boy in his native New Orleans, and later studied with skilled master Alexandre-Denis Abel de Pujol in Paris. Although his untimely death at age 33 limited his body of work, its significance fuels this traveling exhibition.
Organized by The Historic New Orleans Collection and Worcester Art Museum, this display marks the first time Hudson’s complete catalogue has been displayed. Accompanying his works are pieces by Hudson’s European and American instructors, colleagues and competitors, including examples by other free artists of color—who, like Hudson, made indelible impressions upon the art and history of New Orleans.
Following its run in New Orleans, “In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre–Civil War New Orleans” will travel to the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, S.C., and then to the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. The exhibition is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and initial research support for the project was provided by a grant from the Terra Foundation for American Art. Related programming is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius.


Fourth Installment in the Louisiana Artists Biography Series
In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre–Civil War New Orleans
With essays by William Keyse Rudolph and Patricia Brady
Edited and with an introduction by Erin Greenwald
Published by The Historic New Orleans Collection 2010
Hardcover • 116 pages • 60+ color illustrations • $35

In Search of Julien Hudson: Free Artist of Color in Pre–Civil War New Orleans, the fourth installment in The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Louisiana Artists Biography Series, is the most thorough examination to date of Julien Hudson and his world. Carefully researched and written by art historian William Keyse Rudolph and historian Patricia Brady, this lavishly illustrated work captures the artist’s alluring, frustrating and poignant story.


Sixteenth Annual Williams Research Center Symposium
“Identity, History, Legacy: Free People of Color in Louisiana”
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Registration: 8–8:30 a.m.; Sessions: 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m.
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St.
Registration is required and is now open. Visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662 for more information.

The Collection’s sixteenth annual Williams Research Center Symposium, “Identity, History, Legacy: Free People of Color in Louisiana,” will delve further into the subject with speakers from around the country discussing such topics as paths to freedom, fashion as a symbol of status, the free-colored militia and more. A full schedule of talks is available at www.hnoc.org/programs/symposia.html.
This project has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius. Additional support is provided by ClearBridge Advisors, a Legg Mason Company; Villere & Co.; Associated Office Systems; LaPorte Sehrt Romig and Hand, Certified Public Accountants; Antoine’s Restaurant; Omni Royal Orleans; and Premium Parking.


Fifth Annual Concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
“Identity, History, Legacy: La Société Philharmonique”
St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square
Thursday, February 10, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

The Collection’s annual free concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, “Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage,” will this year feature music once performed by a mid-19th century orchestra composed of free men of color. “Identity, History, Legacy: La Société Philharmonique,” the fifth installment, will include Gioachino Rossini’s Overture to Semiramide and Jean-Delphin Alard’s La Traviata, Fantasy for Violin and Piano, op.38, amongst other pieces, under the direction of guest conductor Thomas Wilkins. Featured performers include Walter Harris Jr., speaker; Kisma Jordan, soprano; Joseph Meyer, violin; Jean-Baptiste Monnot, organ/piano; and Phumzile Sojola, tenor.
This project has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius with additional support from the Hotel Monteleone.

*HNOC Press Release

Experience the Best in Southern Music at Ogden After Hours

Take three floors of Southern art, add the best in local and Southern music, mixed with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails, and you have the ingredients for one of my favorite activities in New Orleans, Ogden After Hours.

More than just a museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art celebrates all aspects of Southern culture. Part of this celebration includes a weekly opportunity to see the best in local and regional music, including blues, jazz, R&B, country, folk, Cajun, bluegrass, and rock. Now in its seventh year, Ogden After Hours takes place every Thursday (excluding holidays) from 6-8 PM. Past performers include Theresa Andersson, brothers James and Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Sunpie Barnes, Jon Cleary, Jeremy Davenport, Little Freddie King, Ingrid Lucia, Ellis Marsalis, Jon Mooney, Stanton Moore, Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne, and Walter "Wolfman" Washington, just to name a few. I will never forget Theresa Andersson’s post-Katrina Ogden After Hours performance. Other personal favorites have been Fred LeBlanc, Linnzi Zaorski, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm, DJ Jubilee, and Rebirth Brass Band with Cheeky Blakk.

An important component of Ogden After Hours is the interview. The artists are interviewed by local music writers; these interviews are a great way to learn about the musician’s influences. The interview typically begins around 6:30. If the interview is not your cup of tea, this is the ideal time to head to the rooftop and enjoy the Ogden’s spectacular view of the city, or wander through the three floors of art galleries.

New Sculpture to Debut in Storyland

The late Coleen C. Salley, world renowned children’s book author and true New Orleanian, will be honored with a new sculpture in Storyland made possible by donations from her family and friends.  The installation will include a sculpture of Ms. Salley sitting on a beautiful bench along with the star of her books, Epossumondas, sitting on her lap.  “This will be another great interactive installation to Storyland and we expect it to be a big hit with the visitors to Storyland, not to mention the many fans of Coleen Salley” said Bob Becker, CEO of City Park.  On October 16, 2010, the sculpture will be unveiled and City Park is planning a great event to celebrate it’s newest installation.

When Storyland opens to the public (11 a.m., $3 per person) children will be delighted not only with the new sculpture but also by a number of established storytellers who will be reading from Ms. Salley’s books.  Storytellers include Gloria Pushker, Donald Lewis, Adella Gautier, Chakula cha Jua, and Kalpana Saxena.  The readings will take place at the Castle within Storyland and will start at 11:15 a.m. 

Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design

Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting The Historic New Orleans Collection for the “Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design” Exhibit. This is truly a fascinating exhibit that everyone needs to check out on their own.  Housed in the beautiful Royal Street Complex, this exhibit celebrates the life and work of New Orleans’ own Mignon Faget, famous for her wonderful jewelry designs. 

You definitely do not want to miss out on this exceptional exhibition, which is on display September 22, 2010 through January 2, 2011. You will see her creative artistry and craftsmanship displayed through jewelry, clothing and furnishings. There is no shortage of beauty and intelligence to be found in each collection.  With hundreds of pieces on display there is something for all tastes to admire.

Bring Fall in with Concerts in the Courtyard

The Historic New Orleans Collection might be the best NOLA museum that you’ve never heard of. The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the preservation of the culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. The Collection’s museum is located at 533 Royal Street, and houses changing exhibitions in the Williams Gallery as well as the permanent collection in the Louisiana Historic Galleries. The Collection also operates The Williams Research Center, located at 410 Chartres Street. It is at The Williams Research Center that The Collection’s holdings are made available to researchers; the archives are comprised of more than 35,000 items, including documents, manuscripts, photographs, prints, drawings, and other artifacts.

My favorite thing about The Historic New Orleans Collection is the Concerts in the Courtyard series, in its third year. Held each spring and fall, the Concerts in the Courtyard are an affordable, fun way to enjoy live music and cocktails in a charming French Quarter setting. Anyone that visited the BMI Songwriter stage during French Quarter Festival discovered what a wonderful, intimate music venue the HNOC courtyard is. The concerts attract a diverse crowd, young and old. Admission is $10, which includes three complimentary cocktails. The concerts are free for members, and memberships start at $35 (if you attend four concerts, you come out ahead!).

Discover The George and Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art

One of my favorite museums that everyone should visit is The George & Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art. The McKenna Museum brings to life opportunities of presentation from emerging artists alongside well established artists.  This museum goes beyond the call of duty to represent the visual aesthetics of people of African descent in North America and beyond.  Exhibitions range from African masks to a look at Pre-Katrina New Orleans. McKenna offers a little taste for everyone around the world.

Full Story at GoNola

Culture Collision Success

Last night was truly an amazing experience! I had the opportunity to visit Culture Collision at the New Orleans Museum of Arts. Culture Collision provided an opportunity for locals to check out what New Orleans' cultural organizations have to offer. From New Orleans Ballet Association to Newcomb Art Gallery and beyond there was a little something for everyone. This event offered opportunities to learn about all the upcoming exhibits and performances around the city and purchase tickets at discount. Check out some of the cool info I learned:

• In Orleans Parish youth 6-18 years old can take free dance classes! Check out www.nobadance.com
• There is a Entertainment Law Legal Assistance Project (ELLA), they provide legal assistance to low-income artists, musicians and grass roots non profits in Louisiana. Call 504-523-1465
• Check out Fashioning Kimono in October at the Newcomb Art Gallery, newcombartgallery.tulane.edu
• Corella Ballet Castilla y Leon will be presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, nobadance.com
• On November 14th, Amistad Research Center will have a discussion with Ruby Bridges and Barbara Henry at Le Petit Theatre, www.amistadresearchcenter.org
• If you haven't already checked out Ogden After Hours for some live music! Henry Gray is performing on September 23rd. ogdenmuseum.org
• You definitely don't want to miss Porgy and Bess Opera, neworleansopera.org.
• On September 18th, The New Orleans Film Society will present Member of the Club, which tells of the history of black and white social clubs of the American South. neworleansfilmsociety.org
• On November 14th, Louisiana Philharmonic will offer a family concert called Harry Potter's Wondrous Word at NOCCA. LPOmusic.com/Education

National World War II Museum in New Orleans salutes the Greatest Generation

Reporting from New Orleans — 

Why, of all places, is the National World War II Museum in this sultry Gulf Coast port, better known for its jazz, party beads and occasional Category 3 hurricane?

Because famed World War II historian Stephen E. Ambrose wanted it that way.

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2010 Emmy nominations announced: HBO's Treme receives two nods

The 2010 Emmy nominations were announced this morning and HBO's New Orleans based series "Treme" received two nominations.


The series received one nomination for "Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series," the other for "Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics."


The directing nomination recognized the show's pilot "Do You Know What It Means," and the music nomination honored "This City," which was composed by Steve Earle.

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Children's Museum making plans for move to City Park

Though the plan is not yet definite, the Louisiana Children's Museum has raised about $7 million for a potential move to City Park, an ambitious project that would drastically expand the museum and its programs.

Tentatively slated to break ground in 2012 and open in 2014, the new location in the park, called the Early Learning Village, would be twice the size of the museum's Warehouse District building. It would take advantage of the park setting and bring community resources together to assist parents and entertain children.

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New Orleans restaurateurs get into the museum business

In recent years, museums across the country have enlisted established chefs and restaurateurs to create restaurants whose offerings would better reflect the mission of the institutions themselves. New Orleans has, quite suddenly, made its case for joining the movement.

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Music of the 1940s Enlivens New Museum

World War II was a time of death and destruction, but it was also a time when the spirit of young Americans was kept aloft by the music and dance. Radio stations played swing music as well as ballads sung by Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and others. That era has been recreated at the newly expanded National World War II Museum in New Orleans, where it is finding a new audience among people who were born long after the war ended.
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WWII museum expansion opens in New Orleans

The expansion of a National World War II Museum in New Orleans will help visitors remember the worldwide mid-20th century conflict, veterans say.

Former U.S. Marine Bert Stolier, who served during World War II, said Friday the museum is integral because without such sites "there won't be anyone left to tell what went on in Europe and the Pacific," The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported.

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Two Weeks To 'D-Day'; Museum Hustles To Meet Deadline

Construction crews are putting the final pieces into place for the grand opening of the new wing at the National World War II Museum on November 6.

But the workers in hard hats aren't the only ones hustling to meet the deadline. Inside, actors and technicians are putting together what museum officials hope will become a signature show in New Orleans.

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Louisiana Film Museum Opens Wednesday

The Louisiana Film Museum opens its doors Wednesday.

The museum will showcase props, costumes, photographs and other artifacts from movies made in Louisiana dating back to the early 20th century.

From Wdsu.com

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"In the las

Louisiana Film Museum to open Sept. 1

More than 400 major motion pictures, documentaries and television series have been produced using Louisiana as the backdrop. A movie buff from New Orleans with a large collection of film memorabilia -- including posters and photographs -- is putting his collection on display.

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