Avant Garden ushers in spring with feel-good styles and vibes

By Rebekah Mills

The location was the lush backyard of an historic Mid-City home and the event was Avant Garden, a “curated arts market” that is hosted by the New Orleans art organization and publishing group Constance. Staying true to its name, Avant Garden featured some of New Orleans’ most trailblazing and fresh artists, designers, curators, and collectors. The arts market is hosted semi-annually and last Saturday, April 16, was the spring edition of the event. Catch the sale again this winter; meanwhile, here’s a recap of Saturday’s show:

Nailah Ricco of J & Flo Jewelry Co. was selling her handmade jewelry, which is just as ethereal as she is.

Erin Flashner offered displays of vintage gems that she hand-picks with her trained, trendy eye.

The guys behind Defend New Orleans, Jac Currie and Jonah Langenbeck, were promoting DNO, a local brand that strives to celebrate and preserve New Orleans culture. And of course, Holly Hawthorne was present and accounted for with her ubiquitous cart of homemade tamales. The scene was not lacking in aural vibes, either, as DJ Joey Buttons kept the records spinning as shoppers strolled and perused vendors’ items.