Catlett started the Fine Art Department at Dillard University in the 1940’s, a time when New Orleans was very much a segregated city as well as a cultural melting pot with many ethnic “identities” represented. Her decision to come to New Orleans was not a capricious one. Although she was only 25 years old when she arrived, she had already begun to establish a definite political and artistic identity. Her commitment to black feminism and social consciousness never wavered; it was the underpinnings that governed all of her work. Catlett went on to become an accomplished artist with numerous distinguished awards whose work is placed in many prominent public, private and museum collections. Her art has always questioned the status quo, addressing, “the blatant injustice of racism, sexism and classism worldwide and especially on the home front. Her sculptures, prints and drawings are considered to be among those artists on the forefront of the contemporary art scene.