The Xavier University of Louisiana Art Collection preserves, celebrates, and advances the legacy of Black visual culture through stewardship, scholarship, and storytelling. The collection serves as a living archive of artistic innovation, social history, and the enduring spirit of the Gulf South.

Rooted in the mission of Xavier University of Louisiana– the nations only Black and Catholic institution– the Art Collection reflections a commitment to education, equity, and cultural empowerment. Our holdings encompass a broad range of media and time periods, including works by prominent Xavier Alumni, African American, African Diaspora, and Louisiana artists whose practices engage themes of identity, spirituality, resilience, and transformation.

From the early 20th century to the present day, the collection has grown through generous gifts, curatorial initiatives, and collaborations with artists, alumni, and community partners. The collection comprises works by many esteemed alumni, including Frank Hayden, Louise Mouton Johnson, Ted Jones, Martin Payton, Steve Prince, and John T. Scott, as well as other remarkable artists like Sam Gilliam, Richmond Barthe, Ron Bechet, Willie Birch, and Katrina Andry.

The Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery is more than a repository — it is a resource for collective memory and creative expression. Through conservation, exhibition, and public access, we honor the university’s role as a cultural leader in New Orleans and beyond, illuminating the stories that shape our shared past and inspire future generations.