Meet Opelousas's emerging artists: Ke'Shawn Collins and Ilea McGee
The Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center presented a Dec. 5-Jan. 31 exhibit showcasing emerging artists Ke'Shawn Collins and Ilea McGee.
From the age of eleven, Opelousas native Ke’Shawn Collins began following his artistic path by creating abstract works. He enrolled in the Magnet Academy of Cultures Arts in 7th grade where he began to develop skills and his own style. He has exhibited in multiple art shows in and out of school. Art gave him an income before he was even old enough to get a job. By selling paintings and networking, his opportunities have expanded to many platforms.
His painting of gold medalist Rodney Milburn graces one of the metal electric boxes, part of the Opelousas Tourism-sponsored Boxed Art project. He also has a painting in the Museum of Opelousas for the 40th annual “Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival.” Collins said he always knew that his art could take him places and give him a chance to share his talent with the world.
On Monday, December 5, the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center presented an exhibit showcasing Collins and Ilea McGee.
From the time Ilea McGee could hold a pencil, she gravitated towards drawing and painting. She said this became a passion she grew and cultivated from an early age, through school, and into adulthood. It was here the creative drive shifted into her career as a cosmetologist.
She currently owns Great Expectations Hair Salon, specializing in creative hair color, but makes time whenever available for her first love of visual art. Her favorite mediums include pen and ink, acrylic painting, and graphite drawing, with subject matter ranging from nature inspired, to Louisiana swamp scenery, and even a bit of surreal and otherworldly designs.
With so many avenues for creativity in existence, this artist and Opelousas native said she is grateful for the opportunity to explore her own imagination through several of them, while always reaching for more.
Their exhibit will remain through January 31 at the Opelousas Museum, 315 N Main St. Opelousas.