The Ogden Museum of Southern Art presents The Guardian of the Wetlands: Works by John Taylor, on view at the Ogden Museum February 6 to May 30, 2021. The Guardian of the Wetlands is presented in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation, featuring works by John Taylor, storyteller, an environmentalist, self-taught artist, and life-long resident of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward.

The Guardian of the Wetlands features a variety of works by John Taylor, including eight walking sticks carved from wood found along the banks of the Mississippi River and eight photographs of the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle. The exhibition also features historical information about Louisiana wetland loss and provides a number of ways people can get involved with restoration efforts. Options range from recording one’s memories of the wetlands through the Restore #OurCoast project to signing up to receive information from the National Wildlife Federation and other organizations doing this important work.

“We’re honored to showcase this talented New Orleans area artist and his passion for our local environment,” says Ellen Balkin, Director of Education, Ogden Museum. “John Taylor’s beautiful carvings and photographs highlight the important story of wetland loss, a narrative critical to both our city’s past and future. The exhibition will also provide ways for adults and students to get involved in wetland restoration and offer lesson plans for teachers.”

“John Taylor is a lifelong advocate for Louisiana’s wetlands who intimately understands coastal land loss and the importance of restoring the coast,” says Amanda R. Moore, Deputy Director, Gulf Program, National Wildlife Federation. “The National Wildlife Federation is grateful to work with John to help lift up his artistry and voice to build awareness and inspire others to use their voices in support of coastal restoration.”

Located in the Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana since 2003, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art presents the art and culture of the American South through exhibitions and educational programming. Museum admission is free on Thursdays for Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. For more information, click here.

The National Wildlife Federation has been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936. The NWF works to expedite the design and implementation of large-scale initiatives that restore the Mississippi River’s natural capacity to build land, ensure the safety of communities and businesses in the river delta by advocating for hurricane protection that includes coastal restoration and non-structural measures, and create sustained national and state funding and political will to move restoration from plan to action.