Smith & Clark Collection
About
Smith & Clark Collection occupies a distinctive place in New Orleans' vibrant art scene as an alternative space located at 900 Camp Street, Suite 1, right in the heart of the city's cultural district. As an alternative venue, it operates outside the traditional gallery model, creating a more experimental and unconventional environment for contemporary art. This approach makes it an intriguing destination for visitors seeking something beyond the mainstream, offering a chance to discover emerging artists and innovative curatorial practices that might not fit into conventional gallery spaces. The location on Camp Street positions it within walking distance of other cultural institutions, making it easy to explore multiple art venues during a visit to New Orleans. When you visit Smith & Clark Collection, you'll encounter a space that prioritizes artistic experimentation and independent vision. Alternative spaces like this typically feature diverse programming that can include contemporary visual art, installations, performance pieces, and other media-based work that reflects current artistic conversations. The curatorial approach tends to be more risk-taking and conceptually driven than traditional galleries, meaning visitors might encounter challenging, thought-provoking, or avant-garde work that pushes boundaries and questions conventions. This unpredictability is part of the appeal, as each visit offers the potential for unexpected discoveries and fresh perspectives on contemporary art practice. The experience of visiting Smith & Clark Collection reflects the intimate, artist-focused nature typical of alternative spaces in New Orleans. You can expect a more casual, accessible atmosphere compared to formal gallery settings, one that encourages genuine engagement with the work and often creates opportunities for direct interaction with artists or organizers. The space itself serves as a canvas for experimentation, so the physical environment and presentation of work are often just as important as the art itself. Coming here means supporting the kind of grassroots artistic infrastructure that keeps New Orleans' creative culture vital and distinct, offering a genuine window into the city's contemporary art community beyond the tourist-focused venues.
Past Exhibitions
A community-based art installation project by Jarrad McKay featuring imagery of Black children at play, displayed across New Orleans neighborhoods, parks, and community spaces to increase art accessibility and inspire young artists.