Artist Articles: Jennifer Poe

Meet the Artist: Jennifer Poe

For Jennifer Poe, being an artist started long before she ever considered it a career. In fact, she traces her artistic journey all the way back to third grade, when she was asked to draw and paint a fish. Jennifer added feathers and other creative details to her fish, only to be called to the teacher’s desk for not following the directions. Today, she looks back on that early lesson with a smile—and a reminder that there are no rules in art.

A New Orleans native, Jennifer grew up surrounded by the vibrant colors, architecture, music, and culture that continue to influence her work. She began taking art classes as a child, including oil painting and abstract art with prominent New Orleans artist Alison Stewart. That early exposure helped shape her belief that creativity can take many forms and can follow you throughout every stage of life.

Jennifer’s work is colorful, expressive, and intentionally without boundaries. Her preferred style is abstract, and she often combines oil pastels, latex, acrylics, paper, and found objects to create layered pieces. Music is a major source of inspiration, along with memories, weather, and the time of day. She especially enjoys being in her studio on a rainy day with music playing, moving from classical to rap depending on her mood. Lately, Pink Floyd has been a particular favorite.

Art has followed Jennifer through every chapter of her life. She was the “T-shirt girl” and “banner girl” in high school and college, incorporated creativity into her work as a paralegal, and even found artistic expression through food while owning a restaurant. Whether she was decorating a plate, designing a banner, or creating a painting, creativity has always been part of how she sees the world.

Jennifer also enjoys creating commissioned work because it allows her to collaborate directly with a client. She begins with inspiration photos and images of the space, then shares progress photos and videos throughout the process. The finished piece develops through that conversation, with clients able to suggest changes in color, tone, and direction while Jennifer brings her own artistic vision to the work.

Jennifer has been part of The Foyer for 14 years and considers the gallery an important part of her artistic journey. She appreciates being surrounded by a carefully curated group of artists and designers whose work is distinctly their own. Over the years, the artists have become friends and creative sounding boards for one another. Her favorite response from visitors is simple: “You made me happy today.” For Jennifer, that means the job is done.

Her newest work extends her colorful, expressive approach into an especially meaningful collection. Her “Heaven Sent” mahjong mats incorporate cardinals, butterflies, and dragonflies—symbols Jennifer associates with loved ones who have passed away. She hopes these familiar signs can bring comfort and encourage people to remain open to the little reminders that make them feel connected to those they miss.

Jennifer believes art and music are essential parts of life and hopes to see more of both brought into classrooms. Her philosophy is simple: everyone has the ability to create. Through her art, she hopes to make the world a little happier, brighter, and more colorful.

Follow Jennifer Poe Artist on Instagram and Facebook to see her latest work and creations.

Visit The Foyer at 3655 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 12 to 5 PM. To see more of Jennifer's work.