On Monday, December 5, the Opelousas Museum presents an exhibit by emerging artists Ke’Shawn Collins and Ilea McGee. The reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Opelousas Museum, 315 N Main St, Opelousas. Come by to enjoy a vast display of paintings by these highly talented, up and coming artists. Refreshments will be served. Artists will have original works and prints for sale. The exhibit will remain through January 31.
FMI: Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; museum@cityofopelousas.com
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
From the age of eleven, Opelousas native Ke’Shawn Collins began following his artistic path by creating abstract works. He enrolled in the Magnet Academy of Cultures Arts (MACA) in 7th grade, where he began to develop skills and his own style. He has exhibited in multiple art shows in and out of school. Art gave him an income before he was even old enough to get a job. By selling paintings and networking, his opportunities have expanded to many platforms. His painting of Gold Medalist Rodney Milburn graces one of the metal electric boxes, part of the Opelousas Tourism-sponsored Boxed Art project. He also has a painting in the Museum of Opelousas for the 40th annual “Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival.” Ke’Shawn always knew that his art could take him places and give him a chance to share his talent with the world.
From the time Ilea McGee could hold a pencil, she’s gravitated towards drawing and painting. This became a passion she grew and cultivated from early age, through school, and into adulthood. It was here the creative drive shifted into her career as a cosmetologist. She currently owns great Expectations Hair salon, specializing in creative hair color, but makes time whenever available for her first love of visual art. Her favorite mediums include pen and ink, acrylic painting, and graphite drawing, with subject matter ranging from nature inspired, to Louisiana swamp scenery, and even a bit of surreal and otherworldly designs. With so many avenues for creativity in existence, this artist and Opelousas native is grateful for the opportunity to explore her own imagination through several of them, while always reaching for more.
