GLENN "SAINT" PATRICK GARRISON, JR.
New Orleans, LA
2026-2027 Grant Our I.D. Before I-10: Multi-disciplinary Exhibit
Grant 2019-2020
Scholarship 2022-2023
Glenn “Saint" Patrick Garrison is a multi-media artist whose creative practice is deeply rooted in the culture, energy, and lived experiences of New Orleans. Drawing inspiration from both personal history and collective identity, his work reflects a powerful sense of connection. “We inspire me,” explains Garrison whose vision is to create art that reflects personal experience while resonating collectively. This grant will be used to support Our I.D. Before I-10, an ongoing project of Garrison’s that aims to educate the public on the neighborhoods that once stood where Claiborne Bridge (Interstate 10) now exists.
The project consists of multiple exhibits curated by Garrison that utilize archival photographs, film, videography, textiles, painting, and culinary arts to express the journey of New Orleanians’ past, present and future. He realizes that younger generations are not aware of the important history surrounding Interstate 10 and feels that this knowledge is necessary for thriving in the present and the future. “I want viewers to see themselves in the work, to feel connected to their roots, and to think critically about how identity is shaped over time. My goal is to create an experience that is both reflective and empowering, one that encourages people to reclaim and redefine their sense of self,” he explains. “The initial phase will focus on research and collection of archival materials, including photographs, film, and community-based references. This will be followed by a production phase where I develop visual artworks, video content, and textile-based pieces. The final phase will include installation and presentation of the work as part of an exhibition, allowing the public to engage with the project in a meaningful way.”
No matter what he’s working on, Garrison is exploring themes of growth, resilience, and the evolving nature of self within a vibrant cultural landscape. He is engaging the community in the production of Our I.D. Before I-10, collaborating with creatives, cultural workers, and organizations local to New Orleans. “This project is important because it affirms that identity is not something we have lost, it is something we carry. Through this work, I aim to remind people that we have always known who we are, and that understanding our past is essential to shaping our future,” he reflects.
Glenn “Saint" Patrick Garrison also works as a Special Education Paraprofessional in New Orleans. He first joined the YAYA Guild in 2002.
All works are copyright of the artist.