When the summer doldrums kick in, it’s time to indulge in a little visual AND retail therapy – indoors of course. What better way to do so than patronize a local art gallery? Two exciting local exhibitions are currently beckoning art lovers into their air-conditioned, art-filled refuge. The Ferrara Showman Gallery recently debuted new and recent works by Becca Furhman (both in person and online). After her appearance in the NO DEAD ARTISTS exhibition of contemporary art in 2023, the gallery knew they wanted to showcase her work again. In this latest body of work, Fuhrman creates, in her own words, “a surreal world where women have seashells for eyes, cowgirls dance under moonlight, getaways are made via alligator, and moments of stillness can only be found beneath a lush poolside canopy.” Sounds like the perfect escape!
Matthew Showman, co-owner of the gallery, notes that while not all of the pieces will be physically present, several highlights, like Heads or Tails and Fast & Loose, will be. Matthew is hard pressed to pick a favorite piece, but points out, Pillow Talk as a standout particularly Furhman’s unique use of negative space. “Becca has such an interesting approach to materials,” he adds. Indeed. She uses canvas, wood, and even fringe to get her point across.
In a gallery not so far away, the Southern Group Show kicks off this Saturday at 812 Royal Gallery; featuring new work by a curated roster of mostly local artists. The show includes pieces in painting, sculpture, and mixed media all chosen to represent what the gallery calls, “A fresh wave of creative energy where tradition meets innovation; where the old and new collide in a dynamic blend of contrast, conversation, and just a touch of disruption.” Gallery director Kyla Bernberg says, “The show is about celebrating Southern art in itself.” She also emphasizes that the show features accessible price points for collectors at every level. Among the gallery favorites are Blue Hum II by Johnston Burkhardt, Sapphire Sunset by Shelley Aucoin Winters, and Doullut and Steamboat Houses by Tess Riehlmann. Another fun show at Boulier Gallery called, New Orleans Under the Snow and will be on display through July 30. What better way to fantasize about cooler days than to view a snow filled NewOrleans landscape? Also, a great purchase to commemorate the once in a lifetime snowstorm! If you miss all of the aforementioned shows, not to worry, White Linen Night is right around the corner.
Doullut Steamboat Houses, 2025, Tess Riehlmann 36 x 24, 812 Royal Gallery
Work from New Orleans Under the Snow -On Display, Boulier Photo Gallery
Work from New Orleans Under the Snow -On Display, Boulier Photo Gallery
Blue Hum II, Johnston Burhardt, 812 Royal Gallery
Sapphire Sunset, Shelley Aucoin Winters, 812 Royal Gallery
Image 6: Fast and Loose, Becca Furhman, Ferrara Showman Gallery
