We are thrilled to announce the Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Photography and Art Exhibition, a celebration of Louisiana's unique and diverse natural environment. This event, held at Arabi Visual Arts from May 13, 2023, through July 2, 2023, will showcase breathtaking photography and 2D art by some of the most talented artists in the region.

The exhibition captures the beauty and wonder of Louisiana's fish and wildlife in all their glory. From the vibrant hues of a Gulf Coast sunset to the delicate patterns of a butterfly's wings, these artists have created stunning works of art that celebrate the unique character of this beloved state.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for an exciting and engaging event to attend, the Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Photography and Art Exhibition is not to be missed. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Louisiana's natural world, and experience the creativity

Juror Committee

Works displayed in the main gallery have been juried by Healthy Gulf. Healthy Gulf focuses on a just transition that moves us away from extractive systems of energy production, consumption, and political oppression, and towards resilient, regenerative and equitable economies

Jurors are Michael Esealuka and Emily Thomas.

As Healthy Gulf’s Louisiana organizer, Michael works with frontline communities in the state’s traditional industrial corridor, which stretches along the Mississippi from East Baton Rouge down to Plaquemines Parish where the river opens up at the Gulf of Mexico. Her work is focused on fighting petrochemical buildout, advancing the Gulf South for a Green New Deal platform & vision for climate justice, and uplifting community struggles for clean air, water and land. She comes to Healthy Gulf with a half decade of experience as a community and labor organizer in South Louisiana. When not working she enjoys drawing, fishing, and spending time in her garden.

As Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Emily works closely with program staff to create effective and impactful communications and engagement strategies. Emily grew up on Bayou Bonfouca in Slidell, LA where she developed a deep appreciation for Southern Louisiana’s ecosystems and culture. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in applied sciences in 2015 and a Post-Baccalaureate certification in environmental sustainability in 2019 from Southeastern Louisiana University. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys gardening, biking around New Orleans, and learning new recipes.

Curated Works

The remaining works on display in the common areas of the St. Claude Arts Building were curated by Arabi Visual Arts owner Christopher Ryan.

Participating Artists

Amy Bryan

Ashley Fondo

Darlene Bigus-Doheny

Donald Maginnis

Gregory Hayes

John Novak

Karl Turner

Troy Barrios

Vincent Simmons

Digital Installation by Natori Green

We are excited to announce that in addition to the breathtaking photography and 2D art featured in the Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Photography and Art Exhibition, we will also be presenting a unique digital installation by local artist Natori Green. A New Orleans native, Natori Green is a highly accomplished mixed media visual artist and fashion designer whose work reflects her passion for natural hairstyles, urban landscapes, and Louisiana native plants.

Natori's digital installation, titled "Gator Connection,” is a digital image combined with unique audio featuring a lively imagined conversation between the two gators voiced by her 8 year old daughter.   

Open Studio by Michael Patterson

Join us for the Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Exhibition opening reception at Arabi Visual Arts, where we are thrilled to showcase the latest artist, Michael Patterson. Although his abstract artwork is not related to the exhibition's theme, we are excited to present his unique creations and witness his live painting performance, as he interacts with guests during the event.

Michael is an accomplished abstract artist and has recently started a long-term residency at Arabi Visual Arts. He graduated with a BFA in Photography and Painting from Louisiana Tech University in 1980 and has since become a prolific creator after constructing his studio in 2014. His artwork collectively portrays texture, movement, tension, and color, resulting in a fluidity towards the indefinable feeling when a composition feels finished.

Michael often paints with his hands, allowing him to blend groups of colors with depth and volume, or ever so thinly, providing texture in the 2D world he lives in professionally as a painter and video editor. His intention for his paintings is to become enrichments in his own journey toward appreciation of the arts. He wishes for an individual to connect with a painting that provokes and maintains the initial reaction when first viewed. But, mostly he wants you to appreciate the process so that your investment will continue to be endeared.

Pairings of Vella Vetro Art Glass

In addition to the stunning photography and 2D artwork curated by Healthy Gulf, the Louisiana Fish & Wildlife Exhibition at Arabi Visual Arts also features incredible glass sculptures by local artist James Vella. Vella's hand-sculpted glass pieces, known for their striking realism, represent the diverse marine life and wildlife found throughout Louisiana.

As a glass studio manager at YAYA, Vella is passionate about providing educational opportunities to local children and teenagers. He has taught at various institutions and his artwork is included in prestigious collections around the world. Don't miss the chance to see Vella's exquisite pieces at the exhibition.

Vella has taught at institutions including Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, Ohio State University, Emporia State University, The Glass Furnace in Turkey, and Bild-Werk Glass School in Frauenau, Germany. He has also run the blown and production glass line for Studio Inferno in New Orleans and been on the staff at Pilchuck in Washington. His artwork is included in various collections, including the Frauenau Glass Museum and The Knoxville Museum of Art.

Opening Reception

The opening reception will be held Saturday May 13th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Regular Dates and Hours

The gallery is open from Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.