Office of Community Outreach/University Advancement Department of Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David M. Grubb (504) 286-5343 or (504) 810-3048 dgrubb@suno.edu October 24, 2012
SUNO Museum Studies Program to host exhibition of the work of artist Charles Simms NEW ORLEANS, LA - “WELCOME TO THE TREME: Images by Charles Simms” will open at LeMusee de f.p.c. at 2336 Esplanade Avenue with a reception on Saturday, November 3rd, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The exhibition was curated by the faculty and students in the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program at Southern University at New Orleans. Charles Simms is widely known in the New Orleans community for his lively paintings which bring to life the culture and excitement of the city. This exhibition concentrates on three themes: everyday scenes in the Treme neighborhood, organizations which celebrate the culture of the area and the interruptions of life caused by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding of the city. Le Musee de f.p.c. is a relatively new museum in the Treme area which documents the history and experiences of Free People of Color. Ms. Beverly McKenna presents documents, portraits, art, maps, and publications which bring the past to life. Mr. Simms, in his many paintings has spent a lifetime documenting decades of this story. He and his family have maintained ownership of the 350 pieces in the collection, preferring to keep this wonderful story of New Orleans that he has created together. Past one-man exhibitions of his paintings have been held at the Contemporary Arts Center, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Culture and History in Treme, the Jazz and Heritage Foundation Gallery, and many group exhibitions. The artist holds a degree in Fine Arts from Southern University at New Orleans. The exhibition will be on display through January. This event is free and open to the public. Southern University at New Orleans is a four-year public institution founded in 1956, categorized as an SREB Four-Year 5 institution, a Carnegie Master’s College and University I, and as a SACSCOC Level III institution. Located in the Gentilly area, the University is an accredited liberal arts teaching institution. SUNO, known for its highly-engaged faculty and personal academic support, offers a wide range of baccalaureate programs and is committed to graduate education through the master’s degree, offering graduate programs to meet regional and statewide needs. The University is a member of the Southern University System. For more information please visit SUNO.edu.
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