From Venice to New Orleans: Reflections from an Unforgettable Journey

I’m still trying to find the words to fully describe what the past two weeks have meant to me.

Me standing beside my piece “BIG CHIEF – INDIAN BLUE,” featured in Personal Structures – Confluences at the European Cultural Centre / Palazzo Mora during the 2026 Venice Art Biennale in Venice, Italy.

Just a little over a year ago, I was experimenting with wool and felting needles at my dining room table, curious about a medium I had unexpectedly fallen in love with. This month, I found myself standing inside Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy — attending the VIP Preview Week of the Venice Art Biennale — with my artwork included in the European Cultural Centre’s Personal Structures exhibition alongside artists from around the world.

It still feels surreal.

Exhibition view of the Orleans Gallery curated exhibition featured in Personal Structures – Confluences at the European Cultural Centre / Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy.

Our exhibit, curated by Orleans Gallery, brought together nine Louisiana artists to share stories deeply rooted in New Orleans culture, resilience, music, spirit, and identity. To see my piece BIG CHIEF – INDIAN BLUE representing the beauty and artistry of New Orleans’ Black Masking Indian culture on an international stage was an honor I will never forget.

Venice itself felt like stepping into a dream — winding canals, centuries-old architecture, gondolas gliding beneath stone bridges, sunlight reflecting off the water in ways that looked almost painted. Every corner felt layered with history, artistry, texture, and emotion. As an artist, it was impossible not to feel inspired.

Just a pink-haired girl having a surreal art history moment with Botticelli’s "BIRTH OF VENUS" at the Uffizi.

After Venice, we traveled to Florence, where I stood face-to-face with masterpieces I had only seen in books during art school. Seeing Botticelli’s Birth of Venus in person was especially moving and has already begun sparking ideas for future work. The trip reminded me how important it is to keep growing, exploring, and allowing yourself to evolve creatively no matter where you are in life.

But more than anything, this journey reminded me how grateful I am.

Grateful for every person who has supported my work, shared a post, attended a show, purchased a piece, encouraged me when I doubted myself, or simply followed along on this unexpected creative journey. Many of you have been cheering me on since the very beginning, and I truly carry that support with me everywhere I go.

And now… I’m excited to invite you to one more special event before my current exhibition closes.

This Saturday, May 30 at 5 PM, I’ll be giving an Artist Talk at Orleans Gallery on Julia Street in New Orleans. I’ll be sharing more about my creative process, the inspiration behind my work, my journey into fiber art, and reflections from Venice and Florence.

My exhibition at the gallery runs through May 31, so this weekend will be the final opportunity to view the collection together in person.

I would absolutely love to see you there.

Thank you again for being part of this incredible chapter of my life and artistic journey! I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

With gratitude,

Jen Morgan Jen Morgan Creative Arts