TulaneLSU's Top 10 paintings on Warehouse District building walls

Friends,

As those who love and serve a living Christ, we mourn when crime and violence occur in this world. We do not gloat about death, nor do we use crime as a punch line, to gain political capital, or as a way to denigrate a city and its people. We pray for the end of violence and suffering. We seek first the Kingdom and work tirelessly to rid the world of that which should not be.

So too do we share in the joy of good news. What wonderful and beautiful news we received yesterday when the latest crime reports showed that murders in New Orleans were down 20% compared to the first six months in 2022. One murder is too many, but we celebrate small victories such as this trend in violent crime decreasing.



On my morning walk today through the Warehouse District I saw one beautiful painting on a building's wall. And then I saw another. Like a field of Easter lilies blooming, the walls throughout this beautiful city shine with a radiant polychromatic majesty that is rarely seen elsewhere. What a kingdom city in which we live! As the colors invigorated my soul, my walk became a gallop and the gallop eventually became a sprint.

To live and be alive here, what a feeling! New Orleans, my friends, what a wondrous place, so alive and full of emotion. I give God thanks to be here and no where else would I rather be. Once my sprint burned my energy, that sweet, humid July air swept me spirit upward and I realized I have been negligent recently in sharing with you some of the beauty from our streets. Let us therefore celebrate the good news we share and consider TulaneLSU's Top 10 paintings on Warehouse District building walls

10. Little Debbie



Little Debbie may have found the fountain of youth that Ponce de Leon sought, at least on her boxes. Yet reality is not a commercial logo or advertisement. In the world, decay occurs everywhere and it is a constant battle against the force of entropy. When yards are not maintained or paintings upheld, their order disintegrates. Still, we are able to see the shadow of beauty because there remains beauty in the ruin.


9. The Blues Whales



On May 3, 1997, this Robert Wyland mural was first dedicated to much fanfare. It was restored again in 2019 to its vibrant blue. The most recognized street painting in New Orleans, The Blues Whales is part of 100 Whaling Walls by Wyland, an impressive international effort.


8. Crowning the Child



Children need not be coddled and spoiled, nor should they be neglected. They should be affirmed and taught that we are a royal and holy people. As 1 Peter says, "You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."


7. Trumpet player



Nearly 20 years old now, this faded facade on the Howlin Wolf has become more beautiful with time.

6. Dixie Mill Supply



Started in 1917, the company does something with metal working, but I would be lying if I said I knew. It is one of the few spots in the Warehouse District seemingly untouched by the '84 World's Fair.


5. Embassy Suites



This 14 story mural by Danaee Brissonnet is as confusing as it is beautiful. From the toes to the pelican I have yet to uncover a coherent theme.


4. Mural of New Orleans



What a beautiful sight! St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, the Aquarium, the high rises, and our undeniably great architecture all figure prominently here. The painter should have excluded the sinful casino to hit maximum effect.


3. Bennie Pete



When Hot 8 founding member died at age 45 of Covid-19 in the summer of 2021, the city lost one of its shining lights. This beautiful mural does justice to the joy he spread through music.


2. Pelican at fire station



Try having a staring contest with this pelican whose stare is always on the walkers below him. It is appropriate that he is watching us, just as our noble NOFD members watch over us.


1. Purity: New Orleans Water



New Orleans Water,
Like the people,
You never stop flowing,
Like the music,
You give us life,
Like the many different personalities,
You can be messy,
But if you just filter out
All the impurities life has tainted you with
You can find the most beautiful thing:
PURITY
New Orleans Water.

What a beautiful poem and thought and painting which is just a portion of the larger work below.



Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU