SCOUT AND ABOUT: Old Arabi
In the SCOUT AND ABOUT series, I share my favorite places and adventures in and around our vibrant community. Together we can explore neighborhoods and discover the hidden gems and amazing entrepreneurs and artisans that make our city so unique and beautiful.
Two weeks ago, Mitchell & Larkin Gaudet took me on a behind-the-scenes tour of Old Arabi, which (in case you haven’t heard) is the new New Orleans artists’ haven. Mitchell and Larkin are internationally acclaimed, one-of-a-kind artists, with incredible vision not only for their own work but also for building community. Sure, crossing over into St. Bernard was a bold move, but I’d expect no less from this daring and always on-point pair. If you really like the Bywater now, you’ll love what’s happening in Old Arabi, where a vibrant artist’s community is building up around the pair’s recently relocated studios. It’s a whole new culture and connotation for St. Bernard Parish, built on a truly unique perspective and appreciation for one of the finest things in life: Art.
Setting the Scene
Old Arabi is an enclave that was settled around the old Domino sugar factory only two miles from downtown New Orleans. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much, but that’s precisely the point. This spot, known for its blighted properties, is currently experiencing the beginnings of a renaissance. The energy, authenticity and passion that are pulsing under the surface and when you look closely, through perhaps Mitchell’s rose-colored Bono glasses, Old Arabi starts to look like the land of plenty.
With the expert guidance of Mitchell and Larkin, I began to notice artist studios and collective enclaves sprouting up, spectacular old warehouse transformations underway and a pulsing local pride steeped in a deep and colorful history. Old Arabi is now sanctioned by the state as a Cultural Arts District, which will preserve that history and vibrant culture even further. And with prices in the Bywater skyrocketing, Old Arabi has an element of authenticity and grit that’s attracting young, passionate artists from the city.
Don’t Miss the Art
First thing’s first. If you’re in Old Arabi, do not miss Larkin Gaudet Studio or Studio Inferno.
The location of Larkin Gaudet studio is a testament to the potential of the neighborhood itself. A giant riverfront warehouse with sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline, its minimalist design is enhanced by Larkin’s pulsing metal and leather furniture designs. Visitors can shop her renowned furniture line, as well as work by emerging New Orleans artists.
Mitchell’s Studio Inferno, the infamous “funky, art-making playground” has officially moved to a renovated movie house on St. Claude Avenue right over the St. Bernard Parish line. This studio is a collector’s paradise, packed with thousands of statues, glass figures and objects waiting to be used in Gaudet’s work. There’s also a glassed-in gallery and studio space for up-and-coming artists to use.
Don’t miss Gaudet’s Seven Deadly Sins Opening Reception on April 16 from 6 to 10 pm at Studio Inferno, with free glass trinkets for the first 100 guests.
If you can’t make that, come on Saturdays to see glass demonstrations. And while you’re there, take a look at Fifi Laughlin’s drop-dead gorgeous hand-blown glass lamps, vases and sconces and discover why all the designers in the network are using her work.
Mitchell and Larkin’s List of Things to Scout in Old Arabi.
The next time you’re in a cab and looking for a place to stop, spring for the extra two-mile route down St. Claude Avenue and hit Old Arabi. Don’t take advice from me, let the experts Mitchell and Larkin show you how to experience Old Arabi.
Grab a Beer Along the River: On Fridays, the entire area along the river becomes an outdoor beer garden of sorts, with local artists taking off early to grab a beer from Old Arabi Bar and sit up on the levy.
Get Your Workout On: Swan River Yoga is a purely donation based yoga studio that brings yoga to all.
For the hardcore, Mr. Norman’s Boxing Gym is about as authentic as it gets.
What to See: The Old Arabi Sugar Museum was recently opened in the area’s old jail and courthouse. The planetarium at the Maumus Center, located in a gorgeously renovated art deco school building. Old Arabi Marketplace is a collection of awesome antique vendors.
Where to Eat & Drink: The Kitchen Table Cafe, Gerald’s Donuts, Old Arabi Food Store , 40 Arpent Brewery, Sunset Landing’s & Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou, about the coolest sports bar I have seen in a long time.
An old friend of mine, Alexander Navarro, has known that Arabi is the place to be for a long time. He’s been trying to pull me down there to eat at Old Arabi Food Store and nosh on the fried shrimp poboy and chicken fried steak. He did not respond to my text in time so I took the cashier’s recommendation and ordered the roast beef poboy.
TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!
—TAYLOR