(Louisiana Statewide – December 10, 2025) – Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) is pleased to present the premiere of MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION, an intimate and visually stunning documentary on the remarkable self-taught artist James Michalopoulos — a visionary whose bold expressionistic work has come to embody the heartbeat and spirit of New Orleans. The film premieres Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 PM on LPB’s statewide network.
The son of a Greek immigrant and a prominent architect, Michalopoulos arrived in New Orleans more than four decades ago, drawn by an unshakable sense of wanderlust. Fascinated by the city’s striking contrast of beauty and decay, he began a lifelong love affair with New Orleans — a place that would become both his muse and the foundation of his artistic identity.
Working from his French Quarter studio, Michalopoulos soon earned international acclaim. His paintings have been exhibited in New York, London, Geneva, and Venice, and he has operated galleries in San Francisco, Boston, Maui, and France, drawing collectors from around the world. Yet despite global recognition, he has remained deeply rooted in New Orleans, championing its culture, artists, architecture, and neighborhoods. His commitment to preserving the city’s spirit is as central to his legacy as his art.
“James Michalopoulos is one of the defining artistic voices of New Orleans, and his work reflects the color, rhythm, and resilience that makes Louisiana unique,” said Jason Viso, Director of Programming for Louisiana Public Broadcasting. “Bringing Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration to LPB allows us to share an extraordinary Louisiana story with viewers across the state during our 50th Anniversary year.”
Produced by WLAE-TV, an LPB-affiliated station in New Orleans, and 6th Street Studios, the award-winning team behind Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue, Irma Thomas: The Soul Queen of New Orleans, and Fats Domino: Walking Back to New Orleans, the film captures the evolution of Michalopoulos’ artistic vision and the profound impact his work has had on Louisiana’s cultural landscape.
For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Promotions Manager, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225)-767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.
About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has served as the public television network for the state of Louisiana, with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries highlighting Louisiana’s history and people, LPB is dedicated to supporting children and families statewide through educational programming and its outreach efforts that help develop literacy, math, and science skills.