*This review is for Sarah's weekly session at Eye Street Studios*…read more Like Mikkela, I've been fortunate enough to have had the chance to attend one of Sarah's open studio figure drawing classes. Just not as an artist. From the other end. As a model. A nude model, to be precise. It was something I was contemplating on doing for a while, for a variety of reasons. At the recommendation of Mikkela, I called Sarah a while ago to see if she needed anyone extra to model for her. A week later, I got the fateful call: the regularly-scheduled model couldn't make it that night, and was I available? My chest started to get a little tight as I realized this was precisely where the rubber hit the road. There's no turning back now. The Art world needs me. I was Lloyd Bridges as Izzy Mandelbaum in Seinfeld: It's Go Time! I've always held a certain appreciation for artists, not least of all due to the fact that I could probably screw up drawing stick figures if I applied myself and put the time and effort into it. For me to be able to see people with actual artistic talent that I can only dream about was a real mind rush. I was really impressed by the talent level. I truly wish I had one iota of talent the artists possessed that night. People come prepared to draw whatever strikes their fancy, using a variety of methods. Some painted full body portraits. Others focused on certain body parts. Some used acrylics, others sketched in charcoal. Sarah, to my surprise, drew a head portrait. She was able to recreate the exact same type of poise and demeanor that I literally dream about. I kid you not, I was almost tempted to ask her to paint a blue tunic, medals, saber, and diagonal red sash, as the exact visage she captured belonged out of a Napoleonic cavalry portrait. Watching everyone's progress was amazing: after each 20 minute pose, I put on a robe and took a 10 minute break, and I had the chance to check out everyone's work. To be able to see everyone's work go from start to fruition was simply amazing. The atmosphere was really chill and laid back. Like Mikkela says, the noise level can be loud, but the band in the room next door was quite talented, and it definitely helped me focus. A word on modeling: there's actual work involved. You can't just sit on a stool and daydream for several hours. There's a lot of endurance, patience and mind over matter required. It's not for everyone, and it really takes a modicum of professionalism. I can honestly say I was sore afterwards, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Sarah and her fellow artists are total professionals and really made me feel at ease. The verdict: $10 for open studio figure drawing at her Eye Street location lets you practice art in a chill setting with like-minded professionals. For such a small investment, you really can't beat the experience!

Open Studio - Figure Drawing (Long Pose)... what overwhelming joy! Finally, a place to gather with…read morelike minded souls (on the Metro) and spend three hours painting or drawing from a live nude figure. The artist who arranges this, Sarah, is really nice, and she also teaches art, if you wish for instruction. For my liking, for $10, I enjoy a chance to paint the figure! The open figure sessions are at the Eye Street Studios, 443 Eye St. NW, near Gallery Place/Chinatown. It's a really relaxed atmosphere. A band practices in the next space (so free concert), and there are all levels of art and interests. Different people show up every time, although some of us are showing up every time! Next time is May 7th. So if you want to re-awaken the artist and practice your figure drawing or painting, this is the place! Be prepared that the noise/music is loud (although the band is good).

I hate the fact that they follow you around as if we were planning on stealing. I really don't like…read morethat, and if my daughter really didn't want that item today, I wasn't going to purchase anything. I will not be purchasing anything else from them because of this.

It was a surprising find inside of a pet store which added to its charm the selection wasn't bad an…read moreI ended up with a beautiful set of metallic watercolors

I've tried three of their throwing classes and thought it was really affordable with their BIPOC…read morefellowship prices. Though the studio is old, each class provides EVERYTHING you need to practice on the wheel - clay, tools, aprons, etc. You have to pay extra per piece you want to fire and we didn't get free reign with glazes and trimming (the instructors do it for you). But I didn't mind for the price, and it makes it easier for those who take the class to spend it entirely on honing in the art of throwing. Overall a great start for beginners who have always wanted to try ceramics! They really create a safe space for you to mess up and learn. Taught by experienced instructors, Byrdie's has reasonable membership prices as well!

You are reading this here first: Byrdies makes the best sandwich I've ever had. What's more? It's…read morealso the cheapest sandwich in New Orleans! The value is incredible (ie, I don't mean shitty American "cheese" and limp iceberg lettuce-cheap. I deserve better than that. *You* deserve better than that). Those tomatoes on there are probably heirloom and for greens, we're talking arugula. The specialty veg sandwich has an avocado spread that's out of this world divine delicious and the other day, I was introduced to the joys of buttermilk cheese sprinkled on top. They make their own *bread* for god's sake... If you don't like red onions or red pepper, Chris will gladly substitute you with something else. And whatever the ingredient, there's just the right amount of everything perfectly combined to make a sandwich into an edible piece of art. OK, so the price for this incredible sandwich that I still can't stop thinking about and have had to have twice in less than a week when I normally don't eat lunch out? FIVE FUCKING DOLLARS! Make that four with the Yelp Check-In offer. I shit you not. And yes, I'm cursing up a motherfuckingstorm because I feel like I've discovered something not many people know about (with the exception of Yelptern, Emily A, who introduced me to the joys of Byrdie's sandwiches just recently). And just so you know I mean business. I consider this place to be really off the grid when it comes to food. For the love of a good sandwich, stop in immediately and do yourself a favor with one of these incredible concoctions. See a fantastic art installation that a righteous feline might be guarding along the way... One other thing: I haven't tried it yet, but you should probably also know there's a homemade lavender bread with homemade strawberry jam, along with other pastries made in-house. These folks aren't fucking around.

I am so NOT an artist but I am a huge art aficionado so I've mostly been to this location for art…read moresales and exhibits. It's a beautiful building and has some parking out front. I know people who pop into the open figure drawing classes as they can but they also have courses of study during the day and in the evening with working artists. It's a wonderful space to see an exhibit with room but also able to get up close

My daughter went to camp here and loved it! Artists teach the kids all sorts of different art…read moreforms, it's fun, and there's a show in the gallery of all the kids' art at the end of each week. Wonderful!

I absolutely had an awesome time painting. Went for a bachelorette party and they were so helpful…read moreand very knowledgeable about painting techniques.

Had a great time painting, eating and socializing with my girlfriend, her family and friends…read more celebrating her birthday. The teacher was took care in fixing all of our paintings if needed. Mine needed it and I love the painting I created. The energy in the room was upbeat and lively. I would recommend you checking this out for your next friendly get together. Loved the atmosphere, loved the socialization. Check the schedule there are open days, group times and even times set aside for children. The teacher is easy to work with.

My daughter has been taking art classes with Ms. Karen for 6 years. Ms. Karen is a wonderful…read moreteacher and Lauren's ability has grown tremendously.She has found a passion for art that continues to grow. I can't thank Ms. Karen enough for helping Lauren grow.

The London Clayworks offers guided group pottery classes, taught by ceramic artist/owner Karin…read moreBurt, at four day/time offerings. In addition, the studio may be used by potters in what is called Open Studio. The third option is use of the pottery studio facility by the hour. I have taken pottery through the years at various locations and from a variety of teaching potters, but none can match the teaching skills of Karin Burt. In just two class sessions, I learned the reasons behind pottery techniques that I had not known before. All I can say is Karin is an exceptional, patient and talented educator. Karin is an artist in her own right, whose distinctive pottery pieces can be seen in the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) Gift Shop (in historic City Park) the gift shop of NOCCA (New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts) Gallery and the Press Street Cafe (both located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans.

My girlfriend and I had an awesome Valentine's date night here. Our instructor was very nice and…read morepatient with us with it being our first time. We definitely will visit again soon .

Took a class last weekend: Create Your Own Geode! with Rhonda Kiser…read more I'm a crafty person, as in I'm not an artist. I know my way around the glue gun and a Silhouette machine but not a palette of watercolors or charcoal pencils. This was the perfect class! I got to create something without any real preconceived idea of how it "had" to look and for me, that was refreshing! Rhonda was informative and patient in explaining why were doing things a certain way and she left the artistic part up to me. She covered all the different materials she commonly uses. I appreciated all the recommendations and useful info on the materials. I feel confident I could create another geode all in my own now. Truly a relaxing process and a great self-care experience. Going to try to make it a girls night next time!

Wonderful owners, striving for promoting their artists and showing the amazing talents in our area!read more

What an absolutely fantastic location! Right across from Lee Circle, its awesome. It's five floors…read moreof space dedicated to art. I had the chance to attend an rooftop party for an art exhibition. It was great. The view from the top looks over New Orleans and makes you want to smile. The open space if great for events and truly inspirational creative space.

We really wanted to love this place! My boyfriend and I…read morewere visiting NO on business and saw the gallery and stopped in. It was great to see local art and artists being supported! We bought and paid in full with cash for a couple things at the gallery that were too large to carry home on the plane and asked if they could be shipped. The sales lady said no problem and we arranged that they would be shipped COD as their credit card machine was down and they had no way to weigh the shipment at that time. That was in January and we are still waiting for the shipment. We have tried all the contact info we have but have not received a reply and can't get ahold of anyone by phone. We would love to hear from anyone at Louisiana Artworks concerning this, but until then I can't recommend making art purchases with them.