Created by New Orleans native and local artist Courtney “Ceaux” Buckley, the portrait is the first contemporary artwork to hang in Gallier Hall as part of the City’s official mayoral portrait collection. The commission honors Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the City of New Orleans’ first woman mayor, and represents the first time a Black local artist has been selected to create an official mayoral portrait in New Orleans history.
The project was administered through the City of New Orleans Percent for Art Program, which dedicates funding from eligible capital projects to support public art across the city. Arts New Orleans, the City’s official arts agency, managed the artist selection, project coordination, and public engagement components of the commission.
Reflecting on the significance of the commission and its contemporary approach, Ceaux shared:
“When people stand by this photo in the future, I hope they see the progression and everything it took to get here. I hope it serves as a timestamp of what’s happening now—showing everything that came before and where we go from here,” said Courtney “Ceaux” Buckley.
Ceaux’s portrait introduces a modern visual language into Gallier Hall while remaining grounded in portraiture that centers presence, character, and lived experience. Subtle background details within the composition reference the context and challenges of the mayor’s term, offering viewers a layered narrative that situates the portrait within its historical moment.
The unveiling of the portrait marks a pivotal moment in the City’s visual and civic history—reflecting a continued commitment to representation, contemporary artistic practice, and the recognition of local artists within public spaces.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xEEY5xmd0
