Secretary Of State W. Fox McKeithen is proud to announce that the public is invited to attend a free admission viewing and opening reception for the T. BLACKBOURNE SIMMONS: A Statement of Philosophy exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum on Sunday, May 23, 2004.The reception will be from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. The exhibit will continue from Sunday through July 3, 2004.

Tommie Blackboume Simmons, a native of Vivian, Louisiana, received her Bachelor of Art Education degree from North Texas State University. She taught art for 30 years in Caddo Parish Schools and was a major contributor to the Art II-IV curriculum. She is a member of several state and national watercolor societies, and has been a member of Shreveport's Hoover Watercolor Society since shortly after its founding.

Ms. Simmons' thirty-eight works illustrate the media of watercolor, egg tempera and oil. Many of her works are painted on handmade paper. There is a variety of subjects; flowers to include orchids, lilies, and poinsettias; our nation's southwest section with western themes; log cabins and scenes from her travels to Ireland and Alaska, to name a few.

Tommie's paintings have been exhibited in California, Oregon, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. She is the recipient of numerous Merit, First Place, Best of Show and Purchase Awards. Many of her paintings are in private collections throughout this country as well as in Europe. She is most recognized for her realistic landscape and still life paintings.

Admission after the reception is $5.00 for adults, $1.00 for students 6 – 17. Children 5 and under are admitted free. First Sunday of each month is free to everyone. The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum is handicap accessible and parking is free.