“Having the ability to share these concepts with the world through my art has reassured me that I am walking my divine path. Words cannot explain how honored I am,” said Teddie Reid, a junior at Xavier with two pieces featured in the gallery. Reid is studying psychology with an art minor. 

“‘Mother’s Nature’ being featured in this exhibition is so surreal due to the inspiration behind the piece,” said Reid about her inspirations. “As a woman, I’ve realized that I hold the power to create life itself. Every being on this planet was brought into existence through the womb. This idea alone evokes the unconditional loving of all things, including self.”

Associate Professor of Art and Art Department Chair MaPó Kinnord expressed the versatility of art in the professional world and how many underestimate the usefulness of a degree in art. Like Reid, one doesn’t have to be an art student to channel their creative talents. 

Reid said, “We are the creators of our reality. What we spend most of our time and energy on will always comes to fruition, whether it’s intentional or not.”

“We welcome more, really all Xavier students, to join us [for an Art class],  whether you are an art major or not,” said Kinnord. “We want to help you find your creative outlet… You can get a job doing anything you love- You can have your dream job [using your creativity], you just need to figure out what it is.”

The gallery displays the works of twenty-three students from Xavier, Dillard, and Southern University at New Orleans. All are invited to view the exhibition, which is on display until October 10, 2021. To learn more about the exhibit and to view the full gallery online, visit the Ogden Museum of Art webpage. 

The exhibition includes ceramics, painting, printmaking and sculptures. The Xavier students and recent alumni who had their artwork featured are: 

Kennedi Andrus

Teresa Beamon

Kadeshia Bellard

Loren Carter

Lindsey Hines

Kaitlyn Nguyen

Teddie Reid

Kyle Salandy

Micah Smoot

Chante Stevens

Jody Trevigne

Irvin Washington

Mekada Wells

Erica Williams

Hannah Williams

See a preview of the gallery below.