LSU Alumni Artist of the Month

Check out our LSU Alumni Artist of the Month! All artist features are included in our monthly e-newsletter. Not subscribed? Subscribe to email updates on the right. 

January 2022:

brandon surtain ('17)

Brandon Surtain lives and works in New Orleans, Louisiana. A native New Orleanian, Brandon attended graduate school at Tulane University, where he received Masters of Architecture and Masters of Sustainable Real Estate development degrees. Brandon received his Bachelor’s of Fine Art, with a concentration in painting and drawing, from Louisiana State University. During this time he was also a member of the LSU football team. Brandon’s interests in Architecture, Art and Real Estate Development stem primarily from a place of cultural preservation. Much of his work implicitly responds to life in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina. Focusing on preserving the static and dynamic aspects of the built environment through art and design occupied the bulk of Brandon’s research at Tulane University. Brandon is a former Design Futures student leader, which promotes social and professional equity, as well as design thinking in all aspects of life. He is an exhibiting artist, represented by the Arthur Roger Gallery and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects.

To see more of Brandon's work, follow him on Instagram @brandonjuansurtain or visit his website brandonjuansurtain.com.

December 2021:

Madeline Ellis (BLA '06)

Madeline Ellis was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Her focus is predominantly in jewelry making. She creates most of her pieces in bronze and silver using the Lost Wax Casting method. She also includes hand-built ceramic and glass-enameled work in her collections. Madeline earned her degree in Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University. She is predominantly self-taught, only studying metal smith basics briefly at Arrowmont and the occasional studio workshops. Her degree and work gave her a solid foundation for design principles and an awareness of our local Louisiana landscape, culture, architecture, and human experience that one can see heavily influences the inspiration for her work. Madeline started the jewelry company MIMOSA Handcrafted in 2008, with the mission to create pieces that bring their customers home to beauty and belonging. In the last few years, it has grown to a company of 10 full-time employees. She shows regularly at juried festivals throughout the south. The work of her and her team at MIMOSA can be found in several retail locations as well as her online store. The LSU Alumni Gift Shop is a proud retailer of MIMOSA Handcrafted. Shop here.

To see more of Madeline's work, follow her on Instagram @mimosahandcrafted or visit her website mimosahandcrafted.com.

November 2021:

Courtney Howells ‘08, ‘15

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Courtney Howells is a graphic designer living and working in Baton Rouge, LA. In 2008, she graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising. After taking time to build "Dope," an apparel brand she continues to operate today, she returned to LSU in 2015 to acquire a second degree in Graphic Design. Her design interests range from screen printing and merchandising design to animation. She currently works at Gatorworks as an Interactive Designer.

To see more of Courtney's work, follow her on Instagram @courtneyisdope or visit her website courtneyisdope.com.

October 2021:

Casey Langteau Johnson, ‘15

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Casey Langteau Johnson earned her degree in painting and drawing from LSU in 2015. After graduation, she moved back to her home city of New Orleans and pursued painting full time. She paints with palette knives and captures southern subjects with immense texture and detail. In 2019, Casey opened her own gallery in New Orleans (4700 Magazine Street) with the desire to brighten lives with her cheerful artwork.

To see more of Casey's work, follow her on Instagram @caseylangteauart or visit her website CaseyLangteauArt.com.

September 2021:

Molly Perrault, bfa '15

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Molly Perrault graduated from LSU in 2015, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After growing up in Baton Rouge, Molly moved to Telluride, Colorado where she is currently the Director of Programs & Exhibits at the Telluride Historical Museum. Molly creates unique artwork out of recycled magazine paper. She is represented by Slate Gray Gallery in Telluride and also creates custom portraits for clients.

To see more of Molly's work, follow her on Instagram @molly.perrault.art or visit her website mollyperrault.com.

September 2021 (BONUS IMAGE):

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Molly Perrault graduated from LSU in 2015, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After growing up in Baton Rouge, Molly moved to Telluride, Colorado where she is currently the Director of Programs & Exhibits at the Telluride Historical Museum. Molly creates unique artwork out of recycled magazine paper. She is represented by Slate Gray Gallery in Telluride and also creates custom portraits for clients.

To see more of Molly's work, follow her on Instagram  @molly.perrault.art or visit her website mollyperrault.com.

August 2021:

JUly 2021:

grace owen, ba '21

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Grace Owen is a graphic designer originally from Lake Charles, LA. She graduated from LSU in 2021 where she studied digital advertising and visual communication. She specializes in digital art, hand lettering, and illustration. She currently lives and works in Colorado as a full-time freelance designer. 

To see more of Grace's work, follow her on Instagram @stuffgracemade or visit her website stuffgracemade.com.

JUNE 2021 (BONUS IMAGES):

David Dubose, mfa '90

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

David DuBose received his BFA from Texas Tech University in 1986 and his MFA from Louisiana State University in 1990. He lived in Northern Ireland for thirteen years, where he taught printmaking at the University of Ulster in Belfast and was the Director of Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor, Co. Down for seven years. He returned to the United States in 2005 and is currently an Associate Professor of Drawing and Foundations at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

To see more of David's work, visit his website daviddubose.com.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

David DuBose received his BFA from Texas Tech University in 1986 and his MFA from Louisiana State University in 1990. He lived in Northern Ireland for thirteen years, where he taught printmaking at the University of Ulster in Belfast and was the Director of Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor, Co. Down for seven years. He returned to the United States in 2005 and is currently an Associate Professor of Drawing and Foundations at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

To see more of David's work, visit his website daviddubose.com.

May 2021 (BONUS IMAGES):

Cora barhorst, BA '21

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Cora Barhorst is a 2021 LSU graduate with a BA in history. Her passion for art drove her to start her business while still a full-time student. She dabbles in multiple different mediums and has created custom portraits of many famous figures. She is now working as a full-time artist and entrepreneur.

To see more of Cora's work, follow her on Instagram @cora.b.gallery or visit her website corabgallery.com.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Cora Barhorst is a 2021 LSU graduate with a BA in history. Her passion for art drove her to start her business while still a full-time student. She dabbles in multiple different mediums and has created custom portraits of many famous figures. She is now working as a full-time artist and entrepreneur.

To see more of Cora's work, follow her on Instagram @cora.b.gallery or visit her website corabgallery.com.

April 2021 (BONUS IMAGES):

emily kaye miller, BFA '16

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Emily Kaye Miller is a watercolor painter and graphic designer from Mamou, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU with a BFA in painting and drawing in 2016. Soon after graduation, she relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she has worked as a full-time artist ever since.

To see more of Emily's work, follow her on Instagram @ek.studio, or visit her Etsy shop to purchase art prints and greeting cards.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Emily Kaye Miller is a watercolor painter and graphic designer from Mamou, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU with a BFA in painting and drawing in 2016. Soon after graduation, she relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she has worked as a full-time artist ever since.

To see more of Emily's work, follow her on Instagram @ek.studio, or visit her Etsy shop to purchase art prints and greeting cards.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Emily Kaye Miller is a watercolor painter and graphic designer from Mamou, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU with a BFA in painting and drawing in 2016. Soon after graduation, she relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she has worked as a full-time artist ever since.

To see more of Emily's work, follow her on Instagram @ek.studio, or visit her Etsy shop to purchase art prints and greeting cards.

March 2021:

Ashton shaw despot, BFA '11

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Ashton Shaw Despot is an impressionist painter based in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans. A proud Louisiana State University alum, Ashton received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2011. She is most known for her landscapes and waterways inspired by South Louisiana.

To see more of Ashton's work, visit her website ashtonshawdespot.com or follow her on Instagram @ashtonshawdespot_paintings.

february 2021:

Morgan Gray, BFA '17

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Morgan Gray is a painter from Berwick, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU with a BFA focused in painting and drawing in 2017. She has lived in New Orleans ever since and is working as a full-time artist. 

To see more of Morgan's work, follow her on Instagram @morganpaintsstuff.

January 2021:

Ellen Ogden, BFA and BA '10

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Ellen Ogden is a freelance artist and muralist born, bred, and working in Baton Rouge. Her work is a collaboration with designers, businesses, non-profits, and individuals, imbedding love into an aesthetic experience via vibrant painterly and text-based art. She has a passion for color, community, and working with entrepreneurs, using her background in fine art/art history from LSU, sign art and murals at Trader Joe’s, and Stained Glass with local artist Stephen Wilson. When she’s not working she is traveling, reading, visiting museums and galleries, and generally being active and outside. 

To see more of Ellen's work, follow her on Instagram @elloartist.

December 2020:

John Alleyne, MFA '18

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Hailing from the island of Barbados, John Alleyne graduated in the Spring of 2018 with an MFA in Studio Art, and concentrations in painting and drawing. Alleyne currently lives and works between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Brooklyn, New York. He is an Assistant Professor of Art at Southern University and A&M College, and one of the newest members of the Baton Rouge Gallery.

To see more of John's work, visit his website at johnalleyne.com or follow him on Instagram @IAm_JohnAlleyne.

NOVEMBER 2020:

HAYLEY ROUSSEL, BFA '17

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Hayley Roussel graduated from LSU in December 2017 with a BFA with a concentration in painting and drawing. She is currently working in the New Orleans area, both full-time in an office as well as as a full-time artist. She is currently focused on creating colorful acrylic paintings of New Orleans homes, and the plant life, courtyards, porches, and gardens that accompany them. 

To see more of Hayley's work, visit her website at studioroussel.com or follow her on Instagram @PaintLikeaPoet.

October 2020:

nicole callac, BFA '12

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Nicole Callac, a native and resident of Baton Rouge, graduated from LSU in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting and a minor in photography. She teaches art at her high school alma mater, The Dunham School.

To see more of Nicole's work, visit her website at nicolecallac.com or follow her on Instagram @NicoleCottenCallac_Art.

September 2020:

Logan Ledford, BID '09

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Logan Ledford was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1987. She received her Bachelor of Interior Design from Louisiana State University in 2009, and studied at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts in 2015. She currently lives and works in New Orleans, LA.

To see more of Logan's work, visit her website at loganledford.com or follow her on Instagram @loganledfordart.

AUGUST 2020 (BACK TO SCHOOL - FUTURE ALUMNI FEATURE):

KEELY JACKSON, Bfa '21

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Keely Jackson is a self-taught artist from Dacula, Georgia. She is currently pursing a bachelor's degree in Studio Art, with a concentration in drawing and painting, at LSU. After graduating, she plans to open her own studio and work as a freelance artist.

To see more of Keely's work, visit her website at keelyjacksonart.com. 

JUly 2020:

Brandon Surtain, Bfa '17

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Brandon Surtain is a native New Orleans artist and designer. His paintings primarily focus on narratives around urban landscapes.

To see more of Brandon's work, follow him on Instagram @brandonjuansurtain. 

JUNE 2020 (BONUS IMAGES):

CARLIN mumphrey, Bfa Graphic design '17

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Carlin is a graphic designer and photographer based in Baton Rouge, LA. In her spare time, she runs her freelance business and online shop Bruce & Nellie. 

To learn more or see more of Carlin's work, follow her at @darlincarlin11 and her shop at @bruceandnellie. 

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Carlin is a graphic designer and photographer based in Baton Rouge, LA. In her spare time, she runs her freelance business and online shop Bruce & Nellie. 

To learn more or see more of Carlin's work, follow her at @darlincarlin11 and her shop at @bruceandnellie. 

MAY 2020 (BONUS IMAGES):

Aline moreaux, Bfa Graphic design '20

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Aline is a graphic designer and illustrator. She also manages her small business, Aline Prints + Design, where you can find locally-inspired art prints, greeting cards, and stickers for sale. 

To see more of Aline's artwork, be aware of upcoming pop-ups, and view new products, follow @alineprintsanddesign.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Aline is a graphic designer and illustrator. She also manages her small business, Aline Prints + Design, where you can find locally-inspired art prints, greeting cards, and stickers for sale. 

To see more of Aline's artwork, be aware of upcoming pop-ups, and view new products, follow @alineprintsanddesign.

APRIL 2020 (BONUS IMAGES):

PRISCILLA LUSTIG, Bfa Studio art '19

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Priscilla has been working as a contingency preparator at the LSU Museum of Art since graduating in December 2019.

To see more of Priscilla's work, follow @pris.casso.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Priscilla has been working as a contingency preparator at the LSU Museum of Art since graduating in December 2019.

To see more of Priscilla's work, follow @pris.casso.

March 2020 (BONUS IMAGES):

jordan hefler, Bfa '14

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Jordan is a photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Baton Rouge. 

Visit JordanHefler.com to see what Jordan is up to. You can also patronize this small LSU alumni owned business by downloading her iPhone presets, take one of creative content online workshops to sharpen your skills, or listen to her podcast!

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Jordan is a photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Baton Rouge. 

Visit JordanHefler.com to see what Jordan is up to. You can also patronize this small LSU alumni owned business by downloading her iPhone presets, take one of creative content online workshops to sharpen your skills, or listen to her podcast!

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Jordan is a photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Baton Rouge. 

Visit JordanHefler.com to see what Jordan is up to. You can also patronize this small LSU alumni owned business by downloading her iPhone presets, take one of creative content online workshops to sharpen your skills, or listen to her podcast!

FEBRUARY 2020:

Jim mackey, Ba '78

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Jim is the owner of Championship Plays, and created this exclusive gold poster for the LSU Alumni Association.

To purchase this exclusive poster, click here.

January 2020 (BONUS IMAGE):

CHRIS PARENT, BIS '15

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Chris is the Photography Director at LSU Athletics.

To see more of Chris's photos, visit his website.

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Chris is the Photography Director at LSU Athletics.

To see more of Chris's photos, visit his website.

December 2019:

eddy perez, BFA '06

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Eddy is the Senior Photographer at Louisiana State University.

To see more of Eddy's photos, follow @ViewLSU.

November 2019:

Tal Leming, BFA '97

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Tal is a type designer, letterer, and the owner of Type Supply, a type foundry.

For more information on Tal, visit his website.  

October 2019:

Lauren Barksdale Hill, BFA '04

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Lauren is an artist and business owner of Mint in Baton Rouge, LA. 

To view and shop more of Lauren's art, visit her website.  

September 2019: 

STEPHANIE TORREGROSSA GAFFNEY, BFA '13

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Stephanie is an artist and live painter who focuses on live wedding portraits, portraits, pets, and other unique artistic renderings.

For more information on Stephanie, visit her website.  

AUGUST 2019:

ERIC GARCIA, BS '13 MBA '15

Instructions to Download (On Mobile):

1. Right click on the image.

2. Select Save Image.

3. Go to Photos.

4. Use as Wallpaper.

Eric is a photographer who specializes in weddings, graduates, professional head shots, special occasions, and almost anything you can possibly imagine.

For more information on Eric, visit his website.