Second Saturday a freewheeling New Orleans happening

1239 Congress, May 12, 2012

When Christian Hardy suggested at one of our weekly meetings that we do a photography show, there was no debate. Within a week we had four artists who wanted to show their work. Then the number went up to five. It was on. So we started looking at dates. Somebody suggested we tie into Second Saturday. One of the photographers in that first show said he was friends with somebody who had “started” Second Saturday. He said he’d get in touch, but we never heard back.

So, as any industrious New Orleanians would, we went ahead and put on a Second Saturday art show in March, and we’ve been doing one every month since.

I’ve done a little more digging since our first art show and I’m glad to say that the answer to who runs Second Saturday is … nobody. It’s one of those great New Orleans events that just happens. There are a lot of art galleries and a lot of patrons in the Bywater/Marigny and once a month we all get together to party.

The Saint Claude Arts District lists the venues that take part in Second Saturday, but they do not ‘approve’ the venues or recruit new people. If you want to be listed, just send in your info. Last weekend’s Second Saturday listing included Veggie Fest. Nothing against vegans; my point is that Second Saturday is an amorphous thing. I’m sure somebody could claim that he or she started it and runs it. But nobody does. And that’s f-ing awesome.

Over our next series of articles we are going to reach out to our venue neighbors and profile the different galleries in the Bywater/Marigny.

Pottery by Gabe Sneller was among crafts showcased at last weekend’s art opening as 1239 Congress.

Matthew Sheard of 1239 Congress writes bimonthly for NolaVie.