It all started on a stoop in the bywater…

The Art Garden is owned by creative entrepreneur Marisa Creed and working artist Robert “BJ” Ritcey of B Still Studios. We’ve lived downtown New Orleans aka “below Canal Street” for 20 years since 2001 as artists connected deeply to life in the lower Quarter, Marigny and Bywater. For us it all started with a regular weekend stoop hangout with wine, dogs and kids with our neighbors in the Bywater. When our friend offered us an amazing opportunity to reinvent their abandoned garden patio on Frenchmen Street.  It was a secret garden behind a graffiti covered, falling down fence among all of our favorite clubs; ignored by everyone. We toured the beautiful abandoned garden hiding on Frenchmen’s most famous musical block and teamed up with a group of artist friends to make our own art market run by artists for artists. We had a vision to create a boutique, fine arts centered space.

So “Bj”, Marisa and their family and friends all went to work as a creative co-op to clear out the old gardens.  We displaced about a million geckos! Co-owner, Bj Ritcey  went to work with his mosaic skills and bricked the entire patio by hand to fill in the spots where the old garden beds had been and then lights, plumbing, new fence, art market!  

The secret garden was recreated into the boutique art market space enjoyed by thousands of tourists as the “oasis on Frenchmen Street.”  The nighttime art market is a unique blend of art and retail in a chill vibe compared to the busy club street. 

The Art Garden at 613 Frenchmen street is home to our family of amazing local artists and we also support the artists next to us at the big Frenchmen Bazaar.  The night market curates the most unique and authentic handmade creations, original paintings, watercolors, jewelry, prints and more by local artisans. There’s something for everyone at the night market! Visit all of us, as well as the many iconic clubs on our block that make Frenchmen’s famous music scene in New Orleans.

Visit us at…

613 Frenchmen St. New Orleans LA 70116