French Quarter -"Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture" Documentary Film Screening
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
present a screening of the Documentary Film
Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color in Louisiana Architecture
Saturday, May 16 - 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm
At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center
419 Decatur St, New Orleans
Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture explores a powerful yet often overlooked legacy. Produced by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation (LAF), this documentary traces 300 years of building traditions brought by enslaved Africans to French colonial Louisiana—crafts like carpentry, masonry, ironwork, and plastering that shaped the region’s iconic architecture. Passed down through generations, these trades empowered Louisiana’s Creoles of Color, offering wealth and social mobility in a time of widespread racial inequality.
The film connects the past to the present through master craftsmen Jeff Poree, Darryl Reeves, and the late Teddy Pierre, who are working to preserve these endangered traditions and mentor the next generation. Ancestral Artistry is both a celebration and a call to action—to honor this heritage before it fades.
Following the one-hour film there will time for questions and answers with members of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, including Jonn Hankins, Founder/Executive Director NOMCG; Jeff Poree, Master Plasterer; Darryl Reeves, Master Blacksmith; and Karina Roca, 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice.
This screening is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Louisiana Architecture Foundation, the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
This film was made possible by grants and generous donors. The LAF reserves special thanks to the film’s initial donors and partners, AIA Louisiana and the Louisiana State Office of Cultural Development | Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism.
Before the film screening (from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon) members of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, including Jonn Hankins, Founder/Executive Director NOMCG; Jeff Poree, Master Plasterer; Darryl Reeves, Master Blacksmith; and Karina Roca, 5-year Blacksmith Apprentice will have tables in the visitor center and be available to discuss their work. There will be hands-on activities for visitors.
This program is free and open to the public.
Key Castmembers Who Will be at the Q&A:
Darryl A. Reeves, Master Blacksmith, New Orleans, Louisiana
Darryl A. Reeves is a renowned blacksmith and metal artist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a career spanning over three decades, Reeves has become a pivotal figure in preserving and advancing the traditional craft of blacksmithing in the region. His work blends functional design with artistic expression, embodying the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans while infusing it with his distinct vision. Known for his intricate ironwork on gates, balconies, and fences, Reeves draws inspiration from the city’s architectural legacy and the African and Creole influences that shaped it. His dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity has earned him a loyal following among collectors, architects, and preservationists alike.
In addition to his creative practice, Reeves is a passionate educator and advocate for traditional metalworking techniques. Through his apprenticeship program, sharing his expertise with the next generation of artisans and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of blacksmithing. His work has been featured in exhibitions, documentaries, and publications, celebrating his role in sustaining the cultural and architectural identity of New Orleans. Whether restoring historic structures or creating bespoke designs, Darryl A. Reeves continues to forge a lasting legacy, one that honors the past while inspiring future innovation.
Jeffrey M. Poreé: Master Plasterer and Keeper of New Orleans' Craft Heritage
Jeffrey M. Poreé is a celebrated fourth-generation master plasterer whose artistry has helped preserve and restore the architectural splendor of New Orleans. With over 50 years of experience, Poreé is a vital steward of the traditional craft of ornamental plasterwork, a hallmark of the city's historic buildings. From intricate ceiling medallions to decorative cornices, his meticulous craftsmanship captures the elegance and sophistication of New Orleans' iconic interiors. Deeply influenced by the African and Creoles of Color artisans who shaped the city’s unique architectural landscape, Poreé's work is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a testament to his own dedication to excellence.
Through workshops, apprenticeships, and public education initiatives, he has trained numerous craftspeople and inspired a renewed interest in the art of plastering. His expertise is sought after for high-profile restoration projects, including some of the most revered landmarks in New Orleans, ensuring their beauty and authenticity for generations to come. Jeffrey M. Poreé's commitment to his craft and community has cemented his place as a guardian of the city's cultural and architectural heritage, combining timeless techniques with a deep respect for history.
Jonn E. Hankins, Founder of New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, New Orleans, Louisiana
Jonn E Hankins is a historian and co-founder of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild, having previously held the positions of Executive Director of the New Orleans African American Museum, Development Director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation, Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and Principal Development Officer for Corporate and Community Affairs at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Hankins has been an advocate for the revival of the traditional building trades for over a decade since he directed “Raised to the Trade: Creole Building Arts of New Orleans” at NOMA, an award winning exhibition and oral history research project about the family legacies of the master craftsmen who built and maintain the built environment of New Orleans. He holds a BA in Journalism/Advertising and a Master of Business Administration.
Fees
Free and open to the public
Location
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130. (Near the statue of Bienville.)
Latitude and Longitude 29.954800, -90.064754
Schedule
Date:
Time:
Duration:
12:00 noon to 1:30 pm Central Time
Event Type
- Cultural/Craft Demonstration
- Partner Program
- Talk