Many artists were featured at the “Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial” including “Storm System” and “Please and Help” by Maggie McConnell. Sarah Hess/The Lion’s Roar

The Hammond Regional Arts Center exhibited its fifth installment of the “Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial,” a tribute to one of the region’s arts patrons and philanthropists. 

Morrison was a founding member of the HRAC. The curator of the exhibition was university sculpture professor Jeff Mickey. The evening was a ’70s themed night in tribute of Morrison. Many donned bold prints and bell-bottoms in a’70s homage, including university alumnus James Michel who attended the exhibition dressed as Alex from the 1971 movie “A Clockwork Orange.” 

Executive Director of the HRAC Maureen Joyce described the opening night. 

“It was a packed house for most of the evening,” said Joyce. “Many pulled out their favorite polyester or bell-bottoms to celebrate the legacy of Marjorie Morrison at the ’70s throwback party. They dined on some of her favorite recipes and sipped on one of her signature cocktails. Many also purchased tokens to use in the newly acquired original art vending machine, the Art-o-mat. Some purchased artworks from the exhibiting artists, which truly honored the legacy of Marjorie Morrison, who completely understood the beauty, inspiration and lasting impact the arts create in our world.”

Many of the directors of the Hammond Regional Arts Center shared their opinions of Marjorie Morrison’s contributions to the region’s art world. 

“Marjorie was a woman who elevated the behavior of others the moment she entered a room,” said Director Donna Anderson. “Her friendships were forged through common passions for travel, dance, music, books, theater and visual art. She was vibrant, curious and adamant that the arts were the foundation of civility.”

Director of the Sims Memorial Library Eric Johnson described Morrison’s endeavors in the Hammond art scene.

“For me, Marjorie Morrison epitomizes support for the arts in Hammond,” said Johnson. “She was one of the original founders of the Hammond Regional Arts Center, worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the arts in our community, and attended exhibition openings, concerts, readings, plays, operas and dance performances in Hammond, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and beyond.”

Johnson went on to describe the type of person Morrison is and reminisced about the time he had spent with her.

“Traveling to an event with Marjorie was as entertaining as the event itself,” said Johnson. “She would pack sandwiches, dessert and at least one bottle of champagne to enjoy before and after the show, and regale everyone in the car with stories of her life and, on the way home, reactions to the event. She was a warm and gracious hostess and would entertain small groups in her home, surrounded by art on every wall. Every time I attend an opening at the arts center, I still look around the room, expecting to see Marjorie dressed to the nines and enjoying the artworks and the company. She truly was one of Hammond’s treasures, and my life has been enriched by her friendship.”

The “Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial" pays homage to a founding member of the Hammond Regional Arts Center. Sarah Hess/The Lion's Roar