Sister Gertrude Morgan:
The Mystic of New Orleans

 

Written and Illustrated by Hillary Keeney

I am delighted to share this online edition of my book on the life of Sister Gertrude Morgan
as a free gift to everyone. In honor of Sister Gertrude’s unbounded spirit,
I welcome you to share this page far and wide! Print copies may be purchased here.

 

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New Orleans is famous for its unconventional characters and iconoclasts. It was here on the sidewalks of the French Quarter around 1960 that Larry Borenstein, art dealer and owner of what soon became Preservation Hall, came across a woman dressed as the Bride of Jesus. She was making a joyful noise with a cardboard megaphone and tambourine in hand. What made this street preacher stand out among the rest, however, was her showcase of unique, brightly colored illustrations of Biblical scenes. Her name was Sister Gertrude Morgan, and she was on a mission to transform New Orleans into New Jerusalem. Borenstein moved her paintings from the street corner into the gallery, and this started a chain reaction that eventually carried Morgan’s artistic legacy around the world.

 

Sister Gertrude Morgan was first and foremost a bold and spirited evangelist whose calling brought her to New Orleans, “the headquarters of sin,” in 1939. This book aims to capture the essence of Sister’s life, augmented with over twenty images of her paintings, photos by renowned photographers, and the author’s own illustrations. Written mainly in Sister Gertrude’s own words drawn from interviews and written correspondence, this book invites you to catch the inner passion and fire that fueled her journey.

 

Sister Gertrude has now become a key figure in the history of Southern and African American folk and outsider art. Her works are sold at major auction houses and shown at leading museums and international exhibitions. However, it is Sister Gertrude Morgan herself—who she was, how she lived, and what inspired her—that also captivates those drawn to her creations. Together the remarkable life story of Sister Gertrude and her mystical art serve a feast for hungry souls.

 

(Hover your mouse over the image below to view it in full screen or click on this link. A desktop computer is best for viewing.)

 

 

“Gertrude Morgan was a mystic, a soul in direct communication with God. In that, she resembled St. Catherine of Siena and William Blake, poetic minds charged by visions of intimacy with the Lord. No other figure in New Orleans history approaches her in this regard.”

– Jason Berry

 

“Who was Sister Gertrude? The Prophetess Anna, the Bride of Christ, the Nurse to DoctorrJesus, the Housekeeper for Dada God, and the Everlasting Gospel Revelation Painter. Learn a lot more from Hillary Keeney’s loving reconstruction of Sister Gertrude’s life story told in her own words and pictures. It’s a tour de force of a life force that lit up the Ninth Ward—and parts beyond—with her ministries to the orphaned and the needy, rhythmic prayer music, and paintings of a glorious New Jerusalem.”

– Guy Mendes

 

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“Thank you, Sister” – A New Documentary

Brad and I are also excited to spread the word about “Thank you, Sister,” a special documentary being made about Morgan’s life and her impact on a multitude of creators. Click here to watch the trailer and learn how you can support this project.
All donations are tax deductible.