Terrace by Mary Singleton Found at Claire Elizabeth Gallery
Choosing art for your personal space can be overwhelming, especially if you commence shopping specifically for art. Gallerists and interior designers advise against doing this.
“It is best when a client has a piece of art they love that we can then design around,” said Nomita Joshi, an architect, interior designer and owner of Spruce Wallpaper, Fabric & Paint. “Art can be a big investment, but it is also a silent investment that ultimately speaks to the person who owns it. I can advise on size or color palate, but they should choose the art.”
“I choose art for my home based on what speaks to me,” said Claire Elizabeth Thriffiley, owner and proprietor of Claire Elizabeth Gallery in the French Quarter. “I advise clients to buy what they love, as I do for myself.”
Buy what speaks to you. Take your time. Let the art “find” you. This is the resounding, unanimous message shared by gallerists and interior designers. Whether you are purchasing art purely for its investment value or trying to adorn your walls on the cheap or based on what is currently in fashion, the consensus is you will ultimately rid yourself of the piece if it does not resonate (spark joy? a contented sigh? make you stop and linger?) with you every time you stop and take the time to really see it.
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It is also advised to choose original art.
“New Orleans is an exceptional source for affordable original art,” said Jenny Vorhoff, an interior designer and owner of Studio Riga. “Galleries throughout New Orleans represent a huge range of styles and influences, as well as price points. I tell clients to ask to look in the back of a gallery or studio to see what is there and do not be afraid to share your budget with them.”
Tragically, the Covid 19 pandemic brought so many changes to the gallery scene in New Orleans. Many galleries closed but many new ones have opened in recent months, bringing fresh energy to an already exciting art scene. Things are still fluid, but we did our very best to bring you a comprehensive list of galleries currently operating in town.
An inside look into select local art galleries and their unique offerings
Angela King Gallery
Showcases the work of up to 30 contemporary artists, with a wide range of mediums and styles including oil, acrylic, dry pigments, glass, bronze, steel, clay, fiberglass, resin, aluminum and photography. The space is bright and open with broad windows, fourteen-foot ceilings and 1860 Italian marble. The gallery has been woman-owned and run since it opened in 1977.
A celebration of the art of embroidery by internationally renowned artist Chris Roberts-Antieau, who has thoughtfully established photographic opportunities with some of her pieces throughout the gallery. The extreme details in her vibrant works lend a dream-like quality.
A childhood illness led to Christy Boutte’s profound loss of hearing at the age of one, leading her to “see” and “hear” color. Though internationally exhibited, she draws her inspiration from her Louisiana home. She uses a palette knife and her fingers as paint brushes. She also works with chalk, spray paint, metallics, gold leaf, glitter, Italian glass beads, jewels and resin.
Founded in Montgomery in 1980 and New Orleans in 2021, with a focus on paintings and sculpture by self-taught artists from throughout the Deep South. Look for folk art works by Anton Haardt as well as vintage works by Mose Tolliver, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Juanita Rogers and Sybil Gibson, among others.
This small, lively art gallery features a wide range of contemporary art from the husband and wife duo that depicts iconic New Orleans locales and architecture in an Impressionistic style with vivid use of saturated color.
Featuring abstract and figurative paintings and sculpture from emerging and midcareer American and international artists with an emphasis on abstract and figurative paintings and sculpture, this gallery has an elegant atmosphere with stark walls and open spaces that allow viewers to fully appreciate the mediums, textures and colors within the exhibited works. This gallery is geared toward collectors rather than the casual visitor.
This Bohemian gallery features the works of both local and internationally recognized contemporary artists at the height of their careers with frequent opportunities to meet them in person. The name of the gallery is a nod to the gallery’s British-Dutch ownership (as in, the Royal House of Orange). The name is also said to illustrate the Dutch principle of providing distinctive work at market values, leading to high turnover of artwork and a constant freshness to the space.
This pioneer artist-run space in the edgy St. Claude Arts District serves as a bellwether for work from local, national and international artists undaunted by difficult, thought-provoking, controversial subjects.
Featuring the works of 40 artists and unique jewelry by Earring Lady, this gallery has been pushing affordable, diverse art for 14 years. Look for original items priced from $5 to the thousands.
Perhaps the most influential gallerist in New Orleans history, Arthur Roger and his eponymous gallery will celebrate 45 years in business starting October 7 (Art for Arts’ Sake) with an exhibition of works of 100 currently-represented artists, historically-shown artists and emerging talent. Look for works from David Bates, Romare Bearden, Paul Cadmus, Dale Chihuly, Mark Flood, Greg Gorman, Peter Halley, Bruce Webber and many more. Visit the website for a complete list of participating artists.
This gallery presents compelling works from an international roster of cutting edge, emerging contemporary artists of color and other underrepresented voices in a laid back atmosphere.
With dozens of artists manning their respective booths, this is the largest daily art market in New Orleans. This open-air gallery showcases the work of local artists with works ranging from sculptures made from found objects, to Impressionist-style paintings. In keeping with the Frenchman Street late night music scene, the gallery is open nightly from 7 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m., depending on the crowds.
Glass blower Mark Rosenbaum has a diverse background in glass blowing, casting, ceramics, and jewelry, affording him an unusual approach to the art of glass. Visitors are often able to watch glassblowers at work.
This 35,000 square-foot gallery focuses on public art that celebrates African American history and culture with a mix of large-scale murals, paintings, sculptures and video work. Popular pieces include floor-to-ceiling portraits of African American leaders and icons painted by Brandan BMike Odums.
In this calm and quiet place artist Tanner leads the viewer to escape through his moody, ethereal landscapes that take form in his head before being transposed into physical form on canvas.Born in the small town of Semmes, Alabama, Tanner’s works often depict the dense, haunting, jewel-colored woods of the region, where he fled to escape his disturbing childhood. He honed his craft under celebrated mentors Auseklis Ozols, Adrian Deckbar, Katalin Gergo, Darrell Brown and Jean Cassels.
When Claire Elizabeth Thriffiley opened her French Quarter gallery in 2016 to feature the works of emerging and mid-career contemporary Southern artists, she did so with a wealth of internationally acquired education and experience in the history and business of art. As a gallerist Thriffiley is committed to bolstering the confidence of the dozens of artists she represents.
Prior to opening her gallery in 2014, her belief in art as a healing mechanism inspired her to expand, man and fund an existing art cart at Children’s Hospital, christening it Amy’s Art Cart in honor of her late cousin, an artist and teacher who died in 2012. The mobile cart is stocked with art and craft supplies, games, sensory toys and a children’s library. The cart provides a creative outlet to children and their families who are struggling physically and emotionally through the rigors of treatment and recovery.
Thriffiley raised $100,000 in money and in-kind donations, leading to the institution of a second art cart as well as a cart for music therapy.
This month brings a solo exhibition for local painter Mary Singleton to Claire Elizabeth Gallery. An “Art of Place” show opens in mid-August with travel inspired works by Miriam Lilje, Megan Lightell and Jerrod Partridge. In mid-October, gallery artist Ben Depp’s solo exhibition, “Tide Lines”, will debut at the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, MS. Depp is a local photographer and Natural Geographic Explorer who flies on a powered paraglider across coastal Louisiana and the wetlands to capture its remarkable beauty and haunting destruction.
Central to Magazine St., and overseen by gallerist Erika Olinger, who fell for New Orleans during a road trip, Cole Pratt will unveil several exhibitions in the coming months: September 16 – Joey Slaughter, Contemporary Portraits; September 23 – October 28, Laurel Porcari (Opening Reception in conjunction with AFAS – October 7th); October 31 – November 25 John Stanford (Opening Reception – November 4th); and November 28 – December 30, Karen Stastny (Opening Reception – December 2nd).
A newcomer, this gallery opened last October. Currently on view are photographs and books by James Barbee focusing on images taken in the Mississippi River valley from the southern-most tip of Illinois, (Cairo) to New Orleans. The works tell a story about the resilient people who have remained in small, impoverished areas struggling with racism, industrialization and poverty. “It’s not a ‘pretty’ story,” said director Kathleen Trapolin, herself, an artist, “but James’ reverence for these tenacious spirits is beautiful. Most of what is hanging in the gallery is in his upcoming book with the same name, Some Where No Where There.”
The book will be released in the fall. A signing and reading will be held in November. “In October, Art for Art’s Sake will bring a collaboration between James and the young and talented Turkish artist Emre Karaoglu. The two artists have found an interesting soulful similarity in their work.”
A new-ish gallery opened last October to showcase the mediums of painting, printmaking, photography, and indoor and outdoor sculpture from local and international talents including Françoise Gilot, Dean Mitchell, Rolland Golden, Rodrigo Franzão, Géza Brunow, Steve Martin, David Leslie Anthony and many others. Gallerist Jill McGaughey is a 25-year veteran of the New Orleans art scene. Upcoming events include a free Storytime and Draw class led by author Stephany Havens on July 8 and 24 from 10 a.m. – noon. Kids accompanied by at least one adult will enjoy 30-45 minutes of stories read out loud by Havens. After a short snack break, kids will be provided free time for drawing with prompts including the day’s story, artworks in the gallery, ideas from the group and more. Drawing supplies, snacks and beverages will be provided; bring your own yoga mat or blanket for sitting on the floor. Call the gallery (504-399-8199) to reserve a spot. Art for Art’s Sake, October 7, will bring the opening of “American Vision” by artist Dean Mitchell.
Blossoming with flowers, artist Zana Randjelovic Brown’s women celebrate the exuberance of the feminine mystique. Opened less than a year ago, the gallery features Brown’s ethereal, feminine paintings as well as ceramic art by LiBird Studio. The gallery doubles as Brown’s studio, where she welcomes conversation and inquisition as she works. Throughout the summer, Fridays will find the artist at work in the back of the gallery, as she brings her new collection, “In Between the Worlds,” to life. On September 15 at 6 p.m., Brown will unveil the collection during a special opening at the church of St. Peter and Paul, now part of Hotel Peter and Paul. The gallery will celebrate its first birthday on October 7th, the night of Art for Art’s Sake, with live music, Champagne and fresh art.
“I always advise clients to skip going down the rabbit hole that is the internet and to visit galleries in person instead to get a better idea of what they like and what things cost. Art, like furniture, should be about what you love and what speaks to you, not its pedigree.”
Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery 446 Vallette St., Algiers rosetreegallery.com
Photo by Sara Essex Bradley
“Art is so personal. If we are designing a vacation home, I advise visiting the area’s local galleries because original art is always the best investment. Art can be acquired for reasonable prices through sites like Chairish (chairish.com) as well as consignment shops. When hanging art, it should be at eye level. A significant piece should dominate a wall.”
̶ Nomita Joshi, architect, interior designer, & owner of Spruce Wallpaper, Fabric & Paint
“I currently have works in my collection by gallery artists Ashleigh Coleman, Lisa Di Stefano, Ida Floreak, Jason Kruppa, Megan Lightell, Marcy Palmer, Mary Singleton and Ashto Shaw Despot. I also have work by artists not represented by my gallery, but whom I respect and admire, including Karoline Schleh, Carlton Scott Sturgill and John Isaiah Walton. I inherited some beautiful watercolors and a stunning portrait by my (late) cousin, Amy Palmer.
A new gallery that I’m excited about is Union Gallery on Royal St. I’ve known one of the co-owners, Jamie Koch, for quite some time and she has assembled some unique sculptural and 2-dimensional works by local & contemporary artists.
When I’m helping clients pick out artwork for their home or office, the first thing I try to understand is who they are as a person (their personality, profession, hobbies/interests, etc.) and their unique needs (budget, size, aesthetic, etc.). Then I choose things that meet that criteria. My favorite works to present to a client are what I like to call “wild cards”. These are pieces that are outside of their normal comfort zone, but that I think would add something special to their collection. For example, I love getting young and new collectors interested in photography. Photography can add such an interesting element to a collection and is unique in that it is quite literally a snapshot of our time, culture, and environment in a rapidly changing world.”
̶ Claire Elizabeth Thriffiley, Claire Elizabeth Gallery
