JRNOLA is proud to present Speakeasy Art, New Orleans’ newest art gallery. This experimental gallery is located in our office (400 Magazine St., Suite 300) through Mardi Gras and offers a COVID-safe way to view and purchase local artists’ works.
“Speakeasy Art is a one-stop shop of unique paintings, prints, photography, jewelry, and sculpture works from over 15 emerging and established local artists.” says Gallery Director Sydney Prochaska. “In the middle of long COVID drought of live arts events, Speakeasy Art provides a space for both safety and exclusivity.”
Sam Joffray, the founder of the New Orleans Junior Journalism Program, was inspired to create the gallery as a fundraiser. The after-school newsroom has been empty since the beginning of the pandemic, and so Joffray wanted to find a way to creatively use the space while JRNOLA has turned its newsroom entirely virtual.
“I’ve always appreciated finding innovative ways to see non-profits fundraise. Not only does this temporary non-traditional use of our physical newsroom space support our organization and students while we work virtually, but it also creates a unique experimental platform to help support our local arts community during this challenging period.”
Open from 2-6 every Saturday, you and up to 3 guests can schedule exclusive 45-minute viewing experiences. Discover both emerging and established artists from all over South Louisiana in an intimate and private gallery experience. Operating hours are first come, first served and must be booked online in advance. Reservations for private gallery viewings are $125 per appointment, which includes one piece of art and admission for up to 4 people. Additional works may be purchased for $100 each. Artworks featured in Speakeasy Art typically retail for up to $500.
The profits of each sale go directly to the artists and JRNOLA—supporting both the New Orleans art community and JRNOLA’s mission to diversify newsrooms through free high school journalism education.
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @speakeasyartnola to see artists spotlights, interviews, and more!