A slip of art in a sea of music
When Bourbon Street de-evolved from premier jazz clubs to the current cluster of bars featuring loud but lumbering cover bands, Frenchmen Street became the main haven for the best New Orleans blues and jazz musicians. Live music venues line the street, literally touching one another. Every night, crowds weave in and out of the clubs from early evening until whenever A.M.
Jewelry designer and entrepreneur Katherine Erny Gaar saw her own business take a hit when the economy went south in 2009, but teamed up with John Dyer to create something bigger and better. They founded the Frenchmen Art Market initially as a pop-up for local artists to show and sell their wares during Jazz Fest, when throngs of tourists descend upon the city. Since then, the outdoor market has become a permanent fixture, the city’s only nighttime bazaar, installed in an empty lot directly across from the club D.B.A. and next door to Spotted Cat.
Info
Address 619 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, +1 504.941.1149 | Hours Mon–Sat 7pm–1am, Sun 6pm–midnight| Tip Two blocks from the Art Market is Louisiana Music Factory (421 Frenchmen St). After 22 years in the French Quarter, the store relocated to the new music hub, where they offer a treasure trove of CDs and vinyl by local musicians and rare recordings by blues, zydeco, and swamp-pop artists.
An ever-changing roster of participants includes both known artists like New Orleans clothing designer Carrie Licciardi and skateboard artist Don Pendleton, and emerging craftsmen. You’ll find for sale jewelry, photographs, paintings, sculptures, repurposed vintage clothing, and other inventive objects like hand-painted chicken feet, wine-bottle art, and wooden bow ties.
More than just a collection of artisan booths, the setting itself is inviting and pleasant. The alley is strung with small twinkling lights and features an open lounge area with tables and chairs, while the ever-present sound of music from the nearby clubs or a curbside brass band can be heard in the background.
However, a word of caution before taking photographs of the booths in a willy-nilly, helter-skelter fashion. Ask first. Some of the artists will respond to your quick snaps as though their creations are in the witness protection program.