Sister Gertrude Morgan: The Mystic of New Orleans
Announcing my new book on the famous artist, evangelist, poet, and musician.
By Hillary Keeney
Gertrude Morgan was a mystic, a soul in direct communication with God. In that, she resembled St. Catherine of Siena and William Blake, poetic minds charged by visions of intimacy with the Lord. No other figure in New Orleans history approaches her in this regard.
- Jason Berry
New Orleans is famous for its unconventional characters and iconoclasts. It was here on the sidewalks of the French Quarter around 1960 that Larry Borenstein, local art dealer and owner of what soon became Preservation Hall, came across a woman dressed as the Bride of Jesus. She was making a joyful noise with a cardboard megaphone and tambourine in hand. What made this street preacher stand out among the rest, however, was her showcase of unique, brightly colored illustrations of Biblical scenes.
Her name was Sister Gertrude Morgan, and she was on a mission to transform New Orleans into New Jerusalem. Borenstein moved her paintings from the street corner into the gallery, and this started a chain reaction that eventually carried Morgan’s artistic legacy around the world.
Sister Gertrude (1900-1980) has now become a key figure in the history of Southern and African American folk and outsider art. Her works are sold at major auction houses and shown at leading museums and international exhibitions. However, it is Sister Gertrude Morgan herself—who she was, how she lived, and what inspired her—that equally captivates those drawn to her creations. Together the remarkable life story of Sister Gertrude and her mystical art serve a feast for hungry souls.
“In 1956, the Lord called me to illustrate the Bible. At first I didn’t know how to do that, but soon Jesus just took hold of my hand!”
- Sister Gertrude Morgan
I’m thrilled to announce that my new book, Sister Gertrude Morgan: The Mystic of New Orleans, is now available in both print and online editions. Augmented with over twenty images of Sister’s paintings, photos by renowned photographers, and my own illustrations, this book aims to convey the creative life force that permeated Sister’s ministry. It is written mainly in Sister Gertrude’s own words, drawn from interviews and written correspondence.
Though she is now one of the most collected outsider artists of our time, Sister Gertrude Morgan was first and foremost a bold and spirited evangelist. Originally from Alabama, in 1934 she received a revelation from God: “Goooooo preacher, tell it to the world!”
She followed that calling and it eventually brought her to New Orleans, “the headquarters of sin,” in 1939.
For decades Sister labored “on the hedges and highways,” working as a missionary to orphaned children and preaching in the streets. One day she received another revelation that she was the bride of Jesus. After that, she always wore white.
In 1973, Sister’s art was featured in an exhibition at the American Folk Art Museum in New York and in Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. When people asked her where she learned to paint she replied, “He moves my hand. Do you think I would ever know how to do a picture like this by myself?”
For me this book has been a mystical endeavor, a project fueled by creative passion and spiritual devotion. It all began several years ago when I received instructions in a dream to start making illustrations inspired by our work.1 The next morning, I reported the dream to Brad. He said it reminded him of Sister Gertrude Morgan, the evangelist and artist from New Orleans. That was the first time I heard her name.
From that day forward, Sister Gertrude became a major source of spiritual and creative inspiration in our lives. She has also profoundly influenced the Sacred Ecstatics Guild, our online community dedicated to exploring the wild frontier of ecstatic mysticism. Sister Gertrude is one of the Guild’s most cherished saints.
“I know the difference between contrived art and non-contrived art. I love the fact that these people don’t have any boundaries, that they haven’t been taught what the end of the envelope is. They’ve got something in their mind, and they have to create it. You don’t go to school to learn how to do this. You either have it or you don’t, and that’s what turns me on.”
— George Viener, Outsider Folk Art Gallery
For me personally, Sister Gertrude also gave me the courage to fully step into my work as a spiritual conductor and teacher of Sacred Ecstatics. Her unbending faith, unhindered artistic expression, exuberant sacred joy, pure mysticism, and burning faith shout from her paintings as loudly as her voice shouted through her megaphone. I believe this is the sanctified dart that strikes someone’s heart when they see her art, even if they can’t consciously put their finger on what it is that moves them so.
I am delighted to share the online edition of the book as a free gift to everyone. In honor of the Sister’s unbounded spirit, I welcome you to share it far and wide! Click here to open (it’s best viewed on a desktop browser). Print copies may be purchased here.
Finally, I want to shout my loving gratitude to Brad! This book would not have been possible without his enthusiastic support and creative wisdom. We both hope it fills you with inspiration and sets your soul on fire.
Thank you, Sister Gertrude!
Hillary
P.S.
Brad and I are also excited to spread the word about “Thank you, Sister,” a special documentary being made about Morgan’s life and her impact on so many artists’ lives. Click here to watch the trailer and learn how you can support this project. All donations are tax deductible.
P.P.S.
You can hear Sister Gertrude Morgan sing and play the tambourine on her album, “Let’s Make a Record.” It’s available on streaming services, or here on Youtube. Our favorite song is “Power 1" because it has the most raw Holy Spirit coming through. Hallelujah!
Power! This is wonderful, I can't wait to hold a print copy in my hands! Thank you!
Thank you Sisters,
👀 up! where being fed. Eat that bread.