Petal to the Metal: Trailer McQuilkin’s Wildflowers Bloom at Longue Vue

NEW ORLEANS - July 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Longue Vue House and Gardens is pleased to announce the opening of Wildflowers, an exhibit of the works of Trailer McQuilkin, on display from August 7 through October 5. McQuilkin is a self-taught artist who began experimenting with his craft in 1969 and mastered the art of natural trompe l’oeil art. His botanical sculptures incorporate sheet copper, copper wire, oil paints and natural materials that endure several artistic and technical processes resulting in lifelike masterpieces. Spectators are often surprised that what they see before them is not real; McQuilkin’s work involves uncompromising attention to detail and use of materials such as twigs and pinecones to create a natural environment.

Wildflowers is a homecoming for McQuilkin. In 1972, pieces of the New Orleans native’s work were brought to the attention of Longue Vue founder Edith Stern. She commissioned 20 sculptures that are permanently on display in the estate’s Playhouse.

The opening reception for Wildflowers is Thursday, August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests can also meet McQuilkin and get an in-depth perspective of his botanical beauties during Longue Vue’s Artist Talk+Tour on August 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact Lenora Costa, Curator, at 504.293.4712 or lcosta@longuevue.com.

About Longue Vue House and Gardens

Founded by philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue is a multifaceted historic estate featuring a world-class house museum and eight acres of stunning gardens that include an interactive Discovery Garden for children. As a National Historic Landmark serving as one of New Orleans’ premier education and cultural resources, Longue Vue is open seven days a week to the public for tours of the home and gardens, special events and programs. Visit www.longuevue.com for more information.

About Trailer McQuilkin

Trailer McQuilkin is a New Orleans native who now lives and works in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. In the late 1960s, McQuilkin began experimenting with methods of creating plants in copper. His works have been on display at prominent galleries throughout the United States, Spain, Switzerland, England and Mexico. Visit www.trailermcquilkin.com for more information.