Material Life
Shops · New Orleans, LA
About
Walking into Material Life, you might spot a Kehinde Wiley print next to a Sheila Bridges home decor piece. This lesbian-owned gift shop in Treme is devoted to fine and decorative arts by Black artists and designers from around the world. The owner, a Los Angeles native turned New Orleanian, curated the collection from her own passion for collecting affordable art. You'll find books, apparel, and vintage items alongside works by heavy hitters like Mickalene Thomas and Hank Willis Thomas. It's a small space packed with discovery.
The 'Encore' vintage section focuses on Black pop culture, from pulp fiction to celebrity dolls. The shop also stocks local New Orleans artists, adding jewelry and paintings to the mix. Because of limited hours (Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.), it's best to plan your visit. Note that Yelp lists this venue as potentially permanently closed, so confirming ahead is wise.
Material Life is located in Treme, one of New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods, known for its rich African American cultural history and proximity to the French Quarter.
Features
- ✓See works by Kehinde Wiley, Sheila Bridges, and more
- ✓Browse vintage 'Encore' collections of Black pop culture
- ✓Pick up unique gifts from local New Orleans artists
- ✓Support a BIPOC- and women-led business
Practical
What people say
Rated from 5 reviews. 2 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
This is a top spot in New Orleans for me. They have excellent merchandise and a very artistic vibe. It's also near fantastic coffee places and eateries.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Material Life sell? +
Material Life offers fine art, decorative art, books, apparel, vintage items, and works by local New Orleans artists, all focused on Black artists and subjects.
What are the store's hours? +
The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm, according to Yelp.
Is Material Life LGBTQ+-owned? +
Yes, it is lesbian-owned and women-led, as well as BIPOC-owned.
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