NEW ORLEANS, LA.- A large gathering of artists and art enthusiasts filled the fifth floor of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Whitney White Linen Night (Aug. 4) to celebrate the inaugural exhibition opening of Louisiana Contemporary presented by Regions Bank, a new, juried annual exhibition focusing on Louisiana artists. Announced “Best in Show” was Adam Mysock of New Orleans for an installation of four acrylic on panel paintings, Mountains Named after Presidents, Seen from a Distance, 2011. Second place was awarded to Mik Kastner of Amite for Hoodwink, 2011, mixed media installation; and Third place to Kate Ryan of New Orleans for Slayed, 2012, oil on panel. Honorable mentions went to: Hannah Chalew, Courtney Egan, Jennifer Graycheck, Dixie Kimball and David Sullivan.

“Best in Show” was chosen from nearly 200 artists who submitted more than 600 works to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Forty-five artists from throughout Louisiana are represented, with a total of 86 works selected. Some artists had more than one work chosen.

The juror for Louisiana Contemporary was Rene Paul Barilleaux, Chief Curator/Curator of Art after 1945, McNay Art Museum In San Antonio, Texas.
Louisiana Contemporary presented by Regions Bank was started by the Ogden Museum to engage a contemporary audience that appreciates the vibrant visual culture of Louisiana and the role of New Orleans as a rising, international art center. The exhibition will be on view through September 24, 2012.

At the awards presentation Ogden Museum Director William Andrews remarked on the importance of exhibitions like Louisiana Contemporary. “Louisiana is fortunate to have so many artists who are living and working in the state today,” said Andrews, “and the Ogden Museum is happy to have the opportunity to showcase the work they are doing and promote their contributions to the communities across our state.” Remarking on the historic work on view elsewhere in the museum, Andrews said, “This exhibition speaks to the mission of the museum and enhances the experience for all visitors by juxtaposing the art of today with the art of the last two hundred years. By making comparisons, we advance our understanding of our own history and culture.” Andrews said that there was no more opportune time to launch Louisiana Contemporary than now, as the state celebrates its bicentennial.