The artist Terrance Osborne is this year’s Convocation keynote speaker. Oborne was born and raised in New Orleans and his artwork reflects the colorful, diverse, vibrant, and culturally-rich nature of the city. He attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and later graduated with a BFA from Xavier University. After several years teaching art at the Alice S. Harte Elementary School in Algiers, Osborne decided to dedicate his time completely to his artistic practice. In addition to his own artwork, Osborne has created commissions for the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. His Jazz Fest posters have included the Rebirth Brass Band (2007), Uncle Lionel Batiste (2010), Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews (2012), and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (2014). All have been popular hits with Jazz Fest audiences, with the Rebirth and Trombone Shorty posters becoming best-sellers. Osborne is a recipient of the honorary “Forty under Forty Award” for his teaching and artistic contributions to New Orleans. Conference attendees can view Osborne’s artwork up close and in person at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside’s parking garage where his “New Orleans Sunset” mural graces the façade.
