The Guardian of the Wetlands: Works by John Taylor

An artist, naturalist, photographer, and advocate, lifelong Lower Ninth resident John Taylor is the centerpiece of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art's exhibition The Guardian of the Wetlands, which is presented in collaboration with The National Wildlife Federation. Growing up in the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle, Taylor has deeply fond memories of wandering through its swamps, catching turtles and crawfishing, collecting herbs and roots and selling them to make some extra money. A self taught artist and naturalist, he's learned to whittle walking sticks from driftwood collected from the wetlands and rivers, using only a utility blade. As a historian and storyteller, Taylor uses his knowledge of the area and of ecology to advocate for the restoration of the Triangle, which has largely disappeared due to the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet built in the early 1960s, along with other human interventions. The Guardian of the Wetlands showcases eight of Taylor's walking sticks and eight of his photographs of the Triangle, alongside historical information on Louisiana wetland loss. Learn more at ogdenmuseum.org.