Last month, English Professor T.R. Johnson led a seminar for scholars from 20 different countries on the literary and cultural history of New Orleans and a walk / talk around the French Quarter and Congo Square. The opportunity was part of a Fulbright Program called Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars and Secondary Educators (SUSI Scholars).
Of the tour, Johnson shared “I really enjoyed hosting these international professors and having the opportunity to represent Tulane and New Orleans. Their disciplines, ranging from history, sociology, and law to media studies and linguistics, made for a lively discussion throughout the day.”
While on the walking tour, the group sought shade in a courtyard that happened to be behind the gallery of celebrated New Orleans photographer Frank Relle. Relle, an SLA alumni (’00), noticed the group and joined them for a few minutes. During that time, he took some photos of the scholars, giving them a unique New Orleans experience of life imitating art.
“Our interaction with Frank solidified for the group the connection between local artists and everyday life here in New Orleans,” Johnson continued. "These artists are engrained in the fabric of the city and the timing could not have been more perfect.”