Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport

Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport SUMAS preserves African & African-American heritage through art & artifacts, supporting local & global artists, & engaging students in art education

05/04/2026
We had a wonderful time at the opening of Crown! If you missed it, there’s still time to experience the exhibition. It i...
05/04/2026

We had a wonderful time at the opening of Crown! If you missed it, there’s still time to experience the exhibition. It is currently on view at the Allen Building, located at 610 Texas Street, and will remain open through June 4, 2026. See you soon!

Timothy Keys exhibition opens Thursday, April 30, 2026. See you soon!
04/28/2026

Timothy Keys exhibition opens Thursday, April 30, 2026. See you soon!

We had a blast at the opening of Waves of Emotion! The evening was filled with incredible energy, creativity, and commun...
01/16/2026

We had a blast at the opening of Waves of Emotion! The evening was filled with incredible energy, creativity, and community. Waves of Emotion will be on view through February 26. We hope you’ll stop by and take it in.

01/15/2026

We are live! Hope to see you soon!

The artist and artwork have arrived safe and sound! We’re going to have a blast on January 15!
01/14/2026

The artist and artwork have arrived safe and sound! We’re going to have a blast on January 15!

We hope you will join us on January 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, for the opening of Waves of Emotion.
01/09/2026

We hope you will join us on January 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, for the opening of Waves of Emotion.

Meet Qean Ballard, whose work will be featured in our upcoming exhibition, Waves of Emotion, on January 15, 2026, from 5...
01/07/2026

Meet Qean Ballard, whose work will be featured in our upcoming exhibition, Waves of Emotion, on January 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

My work is rooted in the belief that art should speak for people—especially those whose stories are often overlooked. When I airbrush a portrait or build a piece from memory, I’m preserving a moment, a legacy, and a feeling. I use color, texture, and motion to honor the spirit of the subject, not just their likeness. The airbrush allows me to paint emotion into fabric, canvas, and clothing in a way that feels alive and familiar—like something that has always belonged to the person receiving it.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I come from a creative culture where art isn’t locked behind gallery walls. It’s worn, gifted, shared, celebrated, and remembered. Much of my work is connected to community, healing, and remembrance. Memorial shirts are not just commissions to me—they are bridges between grief and love, between a life lived and a legacy that continues. Every stroke is intentional. Every detail means something to someone.

My motto, “No Emotion, Just Motion,” speaks to staying grounded through the work—letting the art be the voice, the release, and the expression. I create to give others something to hold onto. My art is about connection: to memory, to identity, to culture, and to each other.

Meet Nicola Ballard, whose work will be featured in our upcoming exhibition, Waves of Emotion, on January 15, 2026, from...
01/06/2026

Meet Nicola Ballard, whose work will be featured in our upcoming exhibition, Waves of Emotion, on January 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
“My work begins with people, their stories, their joy, their grief, their growth, and their dreams. I create to honor the full spectrum of our lives and to remind us that we are worthy of being celebrated while we are here. Whether I’m designing jewelry, curating a classroom experience, or helping someone create a memorial piece, my goal is always connection. I believe art is a language that can comfort, empower, and restore.
Much of my inspiration comes from lived experience: motherhood, memory, family, and the communities that raised me. Creativity has always been my way of holding space for others—whether they need a reminder of who they are, a moment of softness, or a reason to smile. My brand and my work are built on love, intention, and legacy.
My mission is to make art accessible, meaningful, and personal—to help people carry beauty into their everyday lives, and to remind them that their story matters.”

Address

610 Texas Street
Shreveport, LA
71101

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+13186709631

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