I have been teaching classes for the past 6 years through the organization I founded in 2019: The Fine Arts Preservation Society of New Orleans. https://practicepreservation.org/mission/
A combination of the pandemic, Loyola University closing its art department (where I taught for 5 years), and the Academy (where I taught for 10 years) seating a new chairman of the board created a void for visual artists who are grounded in classical technique.
During the last curriculum committee meeting I attended at Loyola, my painting and work were referred to as “analogue.” I stepped out of the way as measurements were taken for digital film-making in the drawing studio where I taught, while I was teaching my classes.
The need to focus on preserving historical painting techniques seemed suddenly more important than ever. Relevant in the same way historical languages are still considered relevant. Relevant in the way that piano is still taught and has not been completely replaced.
A language can be lost in one generation, and considering traditional arts practices as a visual languages for communication spurred me to continue with what I know, practice, and teach-and to create an environment for other artists in similar situations.
Through the desire to highlight my experience growing up in the New Orleans art community-in a city as special as New Orleans, it became clear that I needed to promote the art history of our city as well as archive technique.
Below are some of the classes that I developed and taught. Since I did not have my own brick and mortar space to teach, I did work/use trades for space within different local galleries and private artist studios in order to have a teaching studio.
I carried and moved easels, chairs, taborets, teaching resources, books, anatomical reference and sculpture in addition to paintings to each of the locations. Below are just a few of the class announcements I made and will add photos of the classes and other practicing artists soon.
