An Immersive Art Experience

Sure, the red-hot live blues performances and booths serving slow-cooked BBQ might get top billing. But at the 2023 Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, New Orleans’ vibrant visual arts community is just as brightly represented. In the festival’s beautifully presented Arts Market, attendees have the opportunity to discover handmade works of art by a curated group of local artisans. Throughout the weekend, almost 30 local and regional artists will show and sell original works from a series of booths set up beneath the live oaks of Lafayette Square Park. Festival attendees wander between the booths, chat with makers, and purchase original pieces directly from the hands that made them. Here are a few notable artists participating in this year’s festival to look out for. 

Anyone captivated by the many faces and moods of the Crescent City will love exploring whimsical and provocative works by artists including Connie Kittok, Epaul Julien, Jhand Paints, Karen Ocker, Joshua Lee and Nurhan Gokturk Studio. Festivalgoers can take home creations to fold into their everyday lives from Bayousoap Co., Mercury Lab Guitars, Bergeron Woodworks and Silverfox Woodworking. Those who prefer their artwork to be wearable will love the sterling silver creations of Kiki Huston Jewelry Design, Queens Metal, and whimsical sea creature-inspired designs by Sabine Chadborn. From hand blown glass creations to contemporarily quirky quilt designs, more folksy finds come courtesy of Fit to be Tied, Mosaic Bayou and Pollack Glass. Visit jazzandheritage.org/arts-market-2023-crescent-city-blues-bbq-festival/ to find out more.