Final Critique, winter 2025 with the Fine Arts Preservation Society of New Orleans. Special guest critic Auseklis Ozols opened our discussion with a talk on aesthetics, the role and tools of an artist, and a brief history of varied manners of evaluating a work of art.

Our final critique for the winter session took place on March 6th, 2025. The critique process is a vital exercise which promotes the practice of productive discussion, acknowledgement, and understanding of artwork. This process allows contemplation on the perspective of others and accentuates the relationship between experience, observation, and the communication of ideas.

We have a large group critique at the end of each 6 week session, with smaller mini-critiques after each completed painting. Special guests join us for the final critique and offer insight based on their areas of expertise. Our 2025 winter session special guests were Ashlye Keaton, co-founder of the Ella project, Connie Labat, Owner/Director of the Building, and Auseklis Ozols, Founder and former director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts.

Last session’s special guest was Cybele Gontar, art historian, author & former curator for the Louisiana State Museum as well as owner/Director of Degas Gallery.

Discussing titles, meaning, and intention.

Productive response during the critique process.

A member presenting artwork.

A group format for discussion

Each artist took a turn presenting and discussing process before acknowledgment and response from the group.

Discussing process.

Another artist member presenting.

Special guests included curators, art dealers, and advocates for the arts within the New Orleans art community.

A wonderful discussion!

Productive discussion, presentation, and criticism of artwork.

A. Ozols discussing his work, Countenance, and the evolution of an artist’s process. This work was painted which he painted in the 1970’s, about 50 years ago.