A typology of artists found on Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter

Abstract

The principle subjects of this paper are the Jackson Square artists of New Orleans. Interviews were conducted with 42 artists who paint and sell on the Square. Others in the art community were also interviewed. Based on these interviews the authors created a typology which identified the following types of Jackson Square artists: 1) The Worker, 2) The Escapist, 3) The Serious Artist, 4) The Artist/Houseperson, 5) The Craftsperson, and 6) The Would-Be-Artist. These types were differentiated on the bases of the need to make money, seriousness about their work and their artistic and career aspirations, having art in galleries, skills level, and reasons for working in Jackson Square. This typology may be used for purposes of comparing artists in other locales and in other markets. Discussion of relationships between artists, consumers, gallery owners, and the public are offered.