Join ESSE Museum & Store for a special feature exhibit, “Dovetail Purses,” opening Tuesday, July 16th. This exhibit features artwork from New Orleans based artist and writer Jennifer Dove Cooper. “Dovetail Purses” features a collection of purses sculpted from recycled materials such as egg cartons, old checkbook covers, water bottles, clothing scraps, baby food containers, and anything Jennifer found on the ground in her neighborhood. She used items that would have otherwise been thrown away.

All of Jennifer Dove Cooper’s purse sculptures express different themes. Some dark and some light-hearted, but many of the pieces were inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

“Cooper’s life took a crazy U-turn in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit her New Orleans home and studio, wiping her out except for a few pieces of art in plastic bags she’d stashed in the attic. Her family didn’t even know whether she’d survived the storm until finally she was found in Houston. Now she’s settled in Alexandria, where she produces her one-of-a-kind purses.” —The News-Star

Cooper says that the overall theme of this exhibit is “home: where she is from and where she is at.” She hopes that this exhibit will stir visitor’s inner feelings through visual stories. Her purses in the exhibit will be paired with her poetry and fashion photography.

A special collection of Jennifer Dove Cooper’s artistic jewelry, ornaments, and decor will be available for purchase in the ESSE Store.

ESSE Museum & Store is located at 1510 Main St. in the SoMa District of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Tickets for the Museum are $10 for general admission, $8 for students, seniors and military!