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Renowned New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne will unveil his latest work, “The Blood Center Celebration,” a painting honoring the spirit of the city and the life-saving importance of donating blood. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 11:30 a.m. at The Blood Center headquarters at 2609 Canal St., New Orleans. The public, donors, and media are invited to attend.
“I’m excited to celebrate New Orleans while inspiring an act as important as donating blood,” Osborne said. “This painting reflects our city’s lifeblood, rhythm, and soul. It honors regular donors and encourages new ones. Giving is a beautiful act that deserves depiction, reminder, and awareness, and it should be noticed with ongoing support.”
The unveiling ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. when Osborne and The Blood Center’s President and CEO Billy Weales will step off a Canal St. streetcar in front of the center’s headquarters. Festivities include Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Warriors, a brass band, and a second-line parade.
“This is an exciting partnership with a dynamic artist,” said Billy Weales, President & CEO of The Blood Center. “Osborne’s work will inspire and serve as a meaningful way to recognize our donors.”
Osborne’s vibrant painting features a colorful Canal St. streetcar accompanied by brass bands, joyful faces, and scenes of celebration, including The Blood Center’s headquarters. The artwork will appear on exclusive donor recognition items, creating a collectible series available only to blood donors. The Blood Center plans to continue working with Mr. Osborne in the years ahead to create additional paintings that will also serve as donor recognition items.
Limited-edition items featuring the painting will be offered during specific times of the year to help maintain a stable regional blood supply. Blood donations often decline during summer months, holidays, and emergencies, but these exclusive rewards aim to encourage consistent giving.
In addition to unveiling the painting, The Blood Center and Osborne are planning future collaborations, including guest appearances by Osborne at select donation centers. At these events, donors can receive a signed poster of the artwork as a thank-you for their life-saving contribution.
“His art captures life being shared with joy and purpose. We are grateful for his time, talent, devotion and partnership. It’s hard to contain our excitement to begin sharing his art,” adds Weales. “This work also honors so many unseen heroes around us, including our staff and teams, who work tirelessly 365 days a year to collect, maintain and preserve a safe, stable and adequate blood supply for patients in over 40 hospitals served in Southern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Each person has an important role in life as individuals and together. Terrance Osborne reminds us to notice each of his combined brushstrokes, which create beautiful paintings, inspiring us to care, share, and always celebrate life.”
About The Blood Center
The Blood Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood and blood components to hospitals in Southern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To find donor locations, host a blood drive, or learn more, visit TheBloodCenter.org or call (800) 86-BLOOD.
Follow The Blood Center for updates on this extraordinary partnership and upcoming events.
About Terrance Osborne:
Terrance Osborne is a celebrated contemporary artist from New Orleans, known for his vibrant and colorful depictions of the city’s unique culture and architecture. Terrance’s artistic influence flourished during the time he spent living in the Tremé neighborhood. Osborne began developing his artistic talent at an early age and later earned a degree in fine arts from Xavier University. His work captures the spirit and resilience of New Orleans, often featuring local scenes with expressive colors and dynamic perspectives. Osborne has gained a significant following, displaying his work in galleries, public spaces, and events worldwide. His art not only celebrates the beauty of New Orleans but also emphasizes themes of community and joy.