MEDIA

[Mandeville, LA, USA] - [September 1, 2025]

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Inspired by the culture, color, and heart of the Crescent City, Mandeville artist Jennifer Morgan captured the spirit of the Black Masking Indians with her first place winning "Big Chief" felted artwork.

Her carefully "felted" vibrantly colored fibers, layered textures, and hand-embellished work are a natural tribute to the hand-sewn, bead and feather covered suits of "tribes" that parade through the city in this deeply rooted cultural tradition unique to New Orleans. Blending African, Native American, and Caribbean influences, their processions are spirited rituals of pride, resistance, and artistry, passed down through generations in Black neighborhoods. This tradition isn’t found anywhere else—it’s a living expression of New Orleans’ soul, resilience, and cultural fusion.

According to the artist, "When you come across a tribe on the streets, it doesn’t feel like a performance—it feels like a ritual. You pause, unsure whether you’re witnessing something offered or intruding on something sacred. You never quite know if the Big Chief and his tribe want you there or if you're simply lucky enough to have caught a glimpse. But one thing is certain: in that moment, you're witnessing something rare, powerful, and deeply meaningful. It's an experience that could only happen in New Orleans."
 

About Jennifer Morgan
Rooted in the vibrant soul of Louisiana, her playful, whimsical style is inspired by the region’s lush natural environment, rich culture, and the vivid colors and textures that fiber art allows. She strives to create pieces that spark curiosity and
celebrate the unexpected, whether it’s the shimmer of thread, the softness of wool, or the layered surprises of texture and color. Jennifer is a member of the Mandeville Artists Guild, the St. Tammany Artists Association, and has applied for membership with the Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, she holds a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from East Carolina University, has lived in Greater New Orleans for over 30 years, and currently resides in Mandeville with her husband, two sons, and dogs, Scout and Stella.

Artist's Contact Information
Jennifer "Jen" Morgan
Jen Morgan Creative Arts
Website: www.jenmorgancreativearts.com
Email: jenmorgancreativearts@gmail.com
Cell: (504) 782-4658
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenmorgancreativearts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmorgan_creativearts/

About the Gallery and Competition
The “New Orleans in Art: A Love Letter from the Crescent City” exhibition at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, LA is up through November 23, 2025. This vibrant show features the work of 50 incredible artists—each one sharing their personal love story with New Orleans. Out of 204 submissions, 51 artists were accepted to participate in the show, most from the Greater New Orleans area and are well established artists. From the soulful streets of the French Quarter to the rhythm of second lines and the glow of gas lamps, this exhibition is a celebration of the spirit, color, and heart of the Crescent City. The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is located at 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA and can be reached via phone, (318) 865-4201, or email, info@rwnaf.org.
 

Press Release written by Mary Rees Gould, marygould12@gmail.com, www.maryreesgould.com