Mount Carmel Academy proudly announces the installation of 17 stunning pieces of art donated by alumnae, current and former teachers, and a beloved Sister. These contributions now grace the art and music hallways of the newly renovated Motherhouse, celebrating the rich creativity and talent of the Mount Carmel community while inspiring students to explore their artistic potential.

 

The collection reflects the vibrant culture and spirit of New Orleans, as well as the personal stories and connections of the artists to their alma mater and city. Each piece serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Mount Carmel Academy's art program and the artistic journeys it has fostered.

 

Crescent City Current
Casey Langteau Johnson ’11

Original painting
A gift of the artist

“As an artist deeply inspired by the places that shape us, I wanted to create a piece that honors the unique character of New Orleans. This painting is a reflection of the intricate connections that weave together the neighborhoods, streets, and waterways of New Orleans. The map is not just a geographical representation but a portrait of a city where every curve and intersection tells a story of culture, history, and resilience.”

Business/Gallery: Casey Langteau Art Gallery
 

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If You Want to Go Far
Denise Hopkins

Former Mount Carmel Academy Art Teacher

Giclee print on archival paper
A gift of the artist

Every January, Hopkins does a 31 in 31 project, where she, in community with other artists from across the country (and even one from Canada), creates one small painting every day for 31 days. In recent years, the Day 31 piece has become the capstone of the month and is a larger painting than the previous 30. If You Want to Go Far was Hopkins’s 2024 Day 31 piece and is based on the African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

On Day 1 of her 2024 project, Hopkins did a small painting of a single cyclist. By Day 31, she wanted to celebrate the gift of the 31-community and the firm belief that it is in and through community that we find purpose, depth, hope, and love. The birds atop the riders’ heads in the piece symbolize each of their unique gifts as they journey together.

Business/Gallery: Denise Hopkins Fine Art
 

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Under the Oaks
Lori Favret Wilken ’98

Mixed Media on Canvas
A gift of the artist

This piece features the iconic streetcar with a glimpse of beautiful architecture under the oaks of St. Charles Avenue.

“It is an honor to have one of my pieces grace the halls of my alma mater. Mount Carmel Academy plays an important role in my art career as it was here where I was able to explore and grow in my artistic talent. Even all these years later, I often turn to specific guidance and techniques that were offered to me by my MCA art teacher, Ms. O'Donnell. I never imagined as a student at MCA that I would not only have an art career, but that my work would be on display in the school hallways!”

Business/Gallery: Lori Wilken Art
 

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Spiritual Light Cross
Paulette Lizano ’88

A gift in honor of Christle Carey Bertoniere ’67, Tara Bertoniere Beckmann ’88, Hannah Carey Beckmann ’20

The art is made of fused glass, with each piece cut and fit, then kiln-fired to become one entity. The red, orange, and yellow represent the flames of the Holy Spirit by which we are engulfed in our faith. The hues of blue are symbolic of Mary. The central rose circle is depicted with the class colors that unite us as one: "Like children we come, as sisters we go!" In addition to the colors, there are 23 words of affirmation, inspiration, and love within the art piece.

Frame for Spiritual Light Cross
A gift of the artist, Paulette Lizano ’88

The Spiritual Light Cross is housed in a custom-made frame of salvaged cypress wood, with hanger wire on the back.

Business/Gallery: Lizano’s Glass Haus
 

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Fest Day Ever
Allison Dugas Behan ’04

Giclee print
A gift of the artist

Fest Day Ever encapsulates the festival spirit of Louisiana. As festivals showcase the best in a community, this artwork celebrates the highlights of Louisiana culture: food, music, and traditions. A native of New Orleans, Allison Dugas Behan centers most of her work around the prolific and robust heritage that Louisiana unapologetically offers its steadfast locals as well as its countless visitors.

Business/Gallery: Art by Allie
 

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McDonogh Oak
Jeanne Cassanova ’00

Acrylic paint on canvas
A gift of the artist

Within the New Orleans landscape, one can find unmatched richness and beauty that spans centuries. Drawing inspiration from City Park's 800-year-old McDonogh Oak, this canvas celebrates the strength amidst fragility and resilience one can witness in New Orleans.

"The strongest oak tree is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun." — Napoleon Hill

Business/Gallery: jeannecassanova.com
 

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Magnolias I and II
Jeanne Cassanova ’00

Acrylic paint on canvas
A gift of the artist

The magnolia flower is a gorgeous example of the fragrant, saturated, and beautiful world we live in. This diptych is a joyful exploration of color, light, and texture through magnified blossoms. The composition explores the idea of growth and confidence through blossoms in various states of bloom.

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself. When you are born a magnolia flower, be a beautiful magnolia flower. Don’t try to be another flower. If you crave acceptance and recognition and try to change yourself to fit what other people want you to be, you will suffer all your life. True happiness and true power lie in understanding yourself, accepting yourself, and having confidence in yourself." — Thich Nhat Hanh

Business/Gallery: jeannecassanova.com
 

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Jockamo Fee No Nay
Madison Hannan ’14

Mixed media on canvas
A gift of the artist

A Mardi Gras Indian celebrates the carnival season. The iconic bull represents the last meat eaten before Lent. The embellishments of rhinestones represent the intricate hand-sewing the Mardi Gras Indians ritualistically complete each year for their costumes.

Business/Gallery: Art by Madicat
 

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Southern Sash
Tanya Henriques Kinnett ’03

Acrylic paint on stretched canvas depicting magnolias surrounded by native Louisiana blossoms.
A gift of the artist

“My interest in art began in childhood and was fostered through my studies and experiences in my beloved hometown of New Orleans, where I currently work. As a primarily self-taught artist, I paint in acrylics, creating original pieces with a sculptural, heavy-bodied style. With the whimsy of the world as my muse, I remain gratefully inspired!”

Business/Gallery: Tanya Kinnett Gallery
 

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Pelican
Lauren Wesner Richardson ’03

Original acrylic painting with gold leaf and a high gloss varnish
A gift of the artist

“I created this piece in 2018 for my nephew’s nursery. Using only a palette knife, I was able to achieve a lot of texture and dimension to the feathers. I have always been drawn to bright colors and exploration of color theory, and this piece was the perfect project where I could have fun and add a lot of color. Gold leaf with a high gloss varnish is signature to my work, and I try to incorporate it in every piece.

I have always loved art and everything creative, but once I took art at Mount Carmel, there was really no turning back. The foundation was set for me to grow as an artist, and I have been growing and learning ever since. My work consists of (lots of!) pet portraits, family portraits, children's silhouettes, my signature oyster mixed media series, and many more themes of animals and nature where I can add a pop of color. Painting is a way for me to truly express myself, and I am grateful every day for my time at Mount Carmel that shaped me into the artist I am today.”

Business/Gallery: #lrichardsonfineart
 

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Sunset at St. Louis Cathedral
Lauren Vance ’24

Acrylic on canvas
A gift of the artist

Sunset at St. Louis Cathedral depicts St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter at sunset, capturing the magic of New Orleans. The beauty of the cathedral is highlighted in this piece.

“The St. Louis Cathedral serves as the pinnacle of exquisite architecture, unique to the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the cathedral also represents the strong Catholic roots of New Orleans. The inspirations for this painting of the St. Louis Cathedral were both to illustrate how special New Orleans is because of its magnificent architecture and to signify how God is at the core of many New Orleanians' lives. This acrylic painting on canvas aims to illustrate the majesty of New Orleans through the radiant depiction of the cathedral at sunset.”
 

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Cypress in the Sunlight
Analie Switzer Rivet ’12

Acrylic on canvas
A gift of the artist

Cypress in the Sunlight depicts a pair of majestic cypress trees set in the tranquil waters of Louisiana’s wetlands. Hailing from New Orleans and now based in Texas, Analie Switzer Rivet draws deep inspiration from her love of art that was sparked at Mount Carmel Academy. Today, Analie shares her passion and creativity as a PreK-8th art teacher in Texas, nurturing the next generation of artists.

Business/Gallery: @art.by.analie
 

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The Long and Winding Road
Anne Merrigan Saporito ’70

Mixed Media
A gift of the artist

“I have been painting for more than 20 years and studying art at New Orleans Academy of Fine Art. Art has brought so much joy to my life and continues to challenge me to see things from many different perspectives. Art is an escape and a ‘resting place’ for me, not much unlike the chapel in the Motherhouse. I have derived much from both over the years. The Motherhouse holds a special place in my heart as I spent many hours in the chapel during lunch periods and study halls in search of answers and direction. So, it is only fitting that this piece, ‘The Long and Winding Road,’ finds its place back where it all began for me, in that intimate, serene chapel 54 years ago!
I am honored and thrilled to be just a small part of the renewal and reopening of the Motherhouse. With gratitude and joy.”
 

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Nola Neighborhood
Laurell Maniscalco Szczepanski ’91

A gift of the artist

Created from shards of recycled glass, china, and stained glass, layered in a mosaic style on canvas to create texture, dimension, and value. Gold metallic acrylic paint is used for detailing and line quality. The piece is finished with a high-gloss resin pour.

Business/Gallery: Rell Art
 

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Oak Alley Plantation
Sister Mary Baptist Savoy, O.Carm.

Oil on canvas
A gift of the artist

A native of Louisiana, Sister Mary Baptist Savoy was a Sister of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a treasured teacher, and a prolific artist. She graduated Mount Carmel High School in Lafayette, LA, in 1936. She made her first religious profession on August 3, 1939, and pronounced perpetual vows on August 3, 1942. At the time of her death, Sister Mary Baptist was in the 63rd year of her religious profession.

Sister Mary Baptist received a teacher’s certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education in 1940. She held an undergraduate degree in Art from Incarnate Word College and a Master of Arts degree in Art from the University of Notre Dame. Sister Mary Baptist taught primary and middle grades from 1939 to 1971 at St. Dominic and St. James Major, and at Mount Carmel, New Iberia, LA. From 1971 to 1995, she taught art at Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans. Many Mount Carmel alumnae share fond memories of Sister Mary Baptist, her art classes, and her pet parakeets, which she kept in her classroom. She possessed a vast array of artistic talents, including lettering, oil painting, watercolors, portraiture, graphic arts, silk screening, and block printing. She gifted many of her paintings to Mount Carmel Academy, including a series of twenty paintings depicting the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Her painting of St. Therese holding a cross and surrounded by flowers was chosen to accompany the visit of the saint’s relics to the United States in 1999.
She is lovingly remembered by many in the Mount Carmel Academy community.