Twin Steeple welcomes two Hammond artists
Twin Steeple welcomes two Hammond artists
The art scene in Tangipahoa parish continued growing earlier this spring with a new exhibit by local artists Mia Marshall and Tomyria Courtney.
PONCHATOULA—The art scene in Tangipahoa parish continued growing earlier this spring with a new exhibit by local artists Mia Marshall and Tomyria Courtney.
The pair were featured exhibitors at the Twin Steeple Creative Art Center in Ponchatoula on March 6.
Art enthusiasts gathered to meet the artists and view Marshall’s fine art and photography Courtney.
Marshall and Courtney shared the purpose and stories behind their fine art and photographic art while guests perused the art.
Marshall is a professional artist and owner of Marshall Arts by Mia. The former educator taught art at Independence High School.
Marshall said she started painting when she was about five years old and never stopped. “Some of my first painting was of little girls. I wanted to paint more (and) I challenged myself to learn how to paint more realism.”
Marshall thanked the many people who not only attended the reception but also had one of her original art pieces hanging on the walls in their homes.
Marshall resides in Hammond with her husband, former Hammond councilman Lemar and sons Ellis and Aaron.
“As a self-taught photographer, I have spent many hours honing my craft,” said Courtney whose love for photography began with capturing the many faces of family and friends.
It doesn’t matter who or what the subject is, she said she seeks to capture a strong emotion that observers can feel when they view her images.
Her photographs have appeared in Senior Year Images, Senior Guys Style, and Melanin High Seniors.
Courtney said she enjoys capturing the love of people, the passion for sport, and the perspective of objects.
“Like any other professional, I had to find my niche. I was doing photography for a long time before I found my niche which is still life and architecture,” she said.
“The most liberating moment for me in photography is when I see the image I capture frozen in time. The beauty of the subject, the shadows, and the lights never change once I’ve captured it in photos,” she said.
“Every opportunity I get to use my camera, I do my best to connect with the beauty of nature, my work center around architecture, people, culture, and the nature of Southern Louisiana.” She lives in Hammond with her daughter Kortnee.
By Eddie Ponds, The Drum Founding Publisher
