Art is all about the story and Louisiana native Karen T. La Beau is using her art to tell the story of her life, family and heritage. This daughter of New Orleans who currently resides in Shreveport is making an impact by her bold and colorful art depicting her experiences and her family history. Between spending her time serving her community and creating new pieces, Karen also hosts Pearls & Paint Parties to inspire creativity and appreciation for art into others. Check out some of her beautiful pieces below and learn more about the woman behind these works of art below and you can also purchase her pieces here.
Karen T. La Beau, New Orleans Native, Showcases History & Culture Through Art
I come from a line of “natural” artist that begin with my grandfather. In New Orleans, he was known as “Abe the Sign Painter.” He did all the sidewalk ads for all the localgroceries from the 1950s until the 1980’s.
He has been my greatest influence for my persistence as an artist.
Karen T. La Beau is a native of New Orleans that now resides in Shreveport, LA. She is a self-taught, third generation artist. Karen began drawing at the age of 6. She began painting professionally in 2007. That is when she began her series, “My Life on Canvas.” She said, “I’ve chosen to tell my story through visual arts. To me, telling my history on canvas is far more interesting than writing it down on paper.” Karen said, “adding the three1eight to my story in just a continuation of My Life on Canvas.” She said she loves how Shreveport bonds together as a community.
Karen is very active in the Shreveport community. Karen is currently serving her 4nd year on the board for the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival. She is the coordinator for the Highland Open Studio Tours Sunday’s. It is entering into their 6th year.
In 2015 she was selected by International Artist; Nick Cave to be one of the six artists awarded a yearlong artist residency for his project, “As Is.” In 2016, she was voted one of the top three favorite local visual artist for NWLA. Because Karen’s historical documentation on canvas, she was awarded the “Cultural Preservation Heritage Award” in New Orleans in September 2017. Shreveport Art’s Counsel awarded Karen La Beau the “Artist Fellowship Award” in December 2017.
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