 Gretna Native Exhibits Art at Southdown
by Katie LeCompte
Gretna native Keith Eccles will showcase his bold acrylic paintings at Southdown Plantation & Museum from July 25 through Sept. 18. The opening reception will be Sunday, July 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.
Eccles’ paintings feature bright colors accompanied by detailed black lines and could be considered a combination of folk and pop art. Most of his pieces are large, but he will also have poster-sized prints available for sale. His subjects include musicians, dancers, festivals and celebrations, which serve as a fond symbol of the “Spirit of New Orleans.”
Eccles draws inspiration for his artwork from growing up in New Orleans—the city he says is synonymous with “good food, good fun and good friends.”
Eccles received his associate degree in graphic design from Delgado Community College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art. He is a certified teacher at L.W. Higgins High School and is also a licensed tattoo artist. His artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States. Eccles and his wife, Lauren, also own and operate the Eccles Illustration & Design Studio in Gretna, where he hosts a successful summer art program for children.
Most notably, Eccles was commissioned by the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to commemorate the 100-year celebration of Zulu as a krewe, which held historical significance to the city of New Orleans and its recovery. Eccles presented the “Zulu Coconut” to President Obama in the Oval Office, where it currently resides.
The artwork can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission will be $2 to see the exhibit only. A full tour of Southdown Plantation, which includes the artwork, costs $6.
The Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society will host the exhibit. Southdown Plantation is located at 1208 Museum Drive in Houma. Please call 985-851-0154 for more information. For more information on Eccles, visit his Web site at www.keithecclesart.com.
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