Top Art Markets in New Orleans: Where to Find Local Crafts
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By: Jyssica Schwartz
New Orleans, renowned for its thriving arts scene, nurtures a vibrant community of local artists and craftspeople. Art markets play a pivotal role in supporting these talented individuals and preserving the city’s cultural legacy. These markets offer visitors a unique opportunity to discover and acquire one-of-a-kind, locally-made crafts and artwork directly from the artists themselves. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top art markets in New Orleans, where you can find an incredible variety of handmade treasures.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans art markets showcase a diverse selection of unique, locally-crafted artwork and goods
These markets provide a platform for local artists to exhibit and sell their creations directly to patrons
Exploring art markets allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage while supporting the local art community
French Market
The historic French Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. This open-air market, situated along the Mississippi River, features a variety of art vendors selling paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry, and other handmade crafts. The lively atmosphere and picturesque setting make browsing the French Market a delightful experience.
Location and Hours
The French Market is located at 1008 N. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70116. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends.
Frenchmen Art Market
Situated in the heart of the Marigny neighborhood, known for its vibrant music and arts scene, the Frenchmen Art Market is a must-see for those seeking unique, locally-made artwork. This outdoor market showcases the talents of local artists and craftspeople, offering a wide range of artwork and handmade items. Live music performances and food vendors add to the market’s festive ambiance, creating an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
Unique Offerings
The Frenchmen Art Market is particularly known for its eclectic mix of art styles and mediums. Visitors can find everything from colorful abstract paintings to intricate metal sculptures and handcrafted jewelry. Many of the market’s artists draw inspiration from New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage, incorporating elements of jazz, voodoo, and Mardi Gras into their work.
Mid-City Art Market
The Mid-City Art Market, held monthly at the Mid-City Library, is a fantastic opportunity to discover the work of local artists and makers. This curated market features a diverse selection of art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media pieces. Visitors can meet and interact with the artists directly, gaining insight into their creative processes and the stories behind their work.
Community Engagement
The Mid-City Art Market is more than just a place to buy art; it’s a hub for community engagement and support for local talent. The market often hosts educational workshops, demonstrations, and artist talks, providing visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art on display. By attending the Mid-City Art Market, you not only have the chance to purchase unique artwork but also to contribute to the growth and success of New Orleans’ creative community.
Palmer Park Arts Market
The Palmer Park Arts Market, a weekly event located in the Carrollton neighborhood’s Palmer Park, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This market features a carefully curated selection of local artists and craftspeople selling high-quality, handmade items. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with live music and food vendors, makes it an ideal spot to spend a leisurely Saturday afternoon.
Supporting Local Artists
One of the primary goals of the Palmer Park Arts Market is to directly support local artists and contribute to the city’s creative economy. By providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work and build their customer base, the market plays a vital role in nurturing New Orleans’ artistic community. When you purchase an item from the Palmer Park Arts Market, you can feel good knowing that you’re directly supporting a local artist and helping to sustain the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Magazine Street Art Galleries
In addition to the various art markets, New Orleans boasts a thriving gallery scene, with Magazine Street being a particularly popular destination for art lovers. This charming, tree-lined street is home to numerous art galleries showcasing a wide range of local and regional artists working in various mediums and styles. Many of these galleries host regular exhibitions, artist receptions, and special events, providing visitors with the opportunity to engage with the art community on a deeper level.
Gallery Hopping
A self-guided gallery tour along Magazine Street is an excellent way to explore the local art scene at your own pace. As you stroll from gallery to gallery, take the time to engage with gallery staff and artists, asking questions and learning more about the artwork on display. Don’t forget to support local businesses along the way, such as the many unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that contribute to Magazine Street’s vibrant atmosphere.
When embarking on your gallery hopping adventure, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, as you may find yourself walking quite a bit. Most galleries are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, but it’s always a good idea to check individual gallery hours before planning your visit.
Some notable galleries to include on your Magazine Street art tour:
Soren Christensen Gallery (400 Julia St.): Featuring contemporary art from both established and emerging artists, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Martine Chaisson Gallery (727 Camp St.): Showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art, including painting, photography, and installation art. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Stella Jones Gallery (201 St. Charles Ave.): Specializing in African American and African Diaspora art, with a collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and prints. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
As you explore the art markets and galleries of New Orleans, remember that each purchase you make directly supports the local art community and helps to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage. By bringing home a one-of-a-kind, locally-made piece of art, you’ll not only be adding a unique touch to your personal collection but also carrying a piece of New Orleans’ vibrant spirit with you wherever you go.
Jyssica Schwartz is the Managing Editor at Inside NOLA, with extensive experience in business development, writing, and project management. As an accomplished author of six books and three journals, Jyssica's passion for storytelling is evident in her meticulous content creation. At Inside NOLA, she crafts engaging articles that highlight the vibrant culture, history, and unique aspects of New Orleans. Whether detailing the best po'boy spots, guiding readers through the historic French Quarter, or sharing the city's rich musical heritage, Jyssica's work perfectly captures the essence of life in the Crescent City. An optimist and cat lover, she brings entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for New Orleans to the Inside NOLA team.
