Jackson Square Art Colony Makes a Comeback

By Lee Tucker

The artist set up zone at Jackson Square has been established by city ordinance --- thanks to all the community support! The ordinance, introduced by our City Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson, co-sponsored by all 7 City Councilpersons and signed by Mayor Ray Nagin, was endorsed by all the major residential and business organizations in the French Quarter, including French Quarter Citizens. The set up zone specifies that only licensed artists may display their art on the Jackson Square fence and work in a 20 foot corridor from the fence, except on Decatur where the work area is only 5 feet off the fence. Within the work area on the mall there will still be a three foot pedestrian walkway along the fence. On Chartres Street, where the mall is the widest, the artist zone extends out to the lamp posts between the benches, which is half way toward the emergency lane, leaving the other half free area for other activities such as musicians. The artist zone abuts the emergency lanes on the side streets.

The results have been rewarding. The artists are more able to work and some who had given up on the square are planning to return. The residents of the Pontalbas have reported a much improved environment with less noise, litter, and other municipal violations, especially during the night. Relaxing on the balcony and sleeping through the night are now options again. The businesses are thrilled that the "new-old" look has been restored. Come on down and see for yourself.

The Jackson Square Artists are planning a party, a celebration/fundraiser, the evening of July 10th, from 7 to 11 pm, at Pat O's on the River. There will be music, fun, food, drink and entertainment, including a magic show performed by Harry Anderson of Night Court fame. Harry used to do magic shows on the streets of New Orleans years ago. There will also be a silent auction of artwork by various Jackson Square artists. It will be a blast.