The Works of Charles and Vera Reinike

It was 1928 when two young artists — from the far shores of Germany, the other from deep down South—clashed, and together set off a journey of art to make their mark on 20th century New Orleans. In 1930, the couple opened an art school in the New Orleans Art League building on Toulouse Street. Together, they worked with and trained many of the city's most legendary artists. During the summers, the couple opened an eight week summer art camp at Bains, Louisiana near St. Francisville. Many established artists, including Clarence Millet, Morris Henry Hobbs, and Louise Sarrazin, were known to have spent time at the Bains camp. 

Though they closed their art school towards the end of World War II, their work remained deeply affected by the Louisiana landscape in which they lived. Charles's watercolors and landscape paintings of New Orleans and the surrounding areas became recognized for their bold colors and the way in which he granted dignity to his subjects—a quality distinct in his depictions of rural Louisiana and early African-American cabins and lifestyles. 

Vera engaged in similar themes, with a strong Louisiana thread running through much of her work— though she became especially well known for her murals and her portraits. She pulled from life around her, and made her mark on many fine homes in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. 

Works from both Charles and Vera Reinikes will be on display during this year's Audubon Pilgrimage at Market Hall from 9:30 am to 5 pm March 15—17. Visit westfelicianahistory.org for more information.