New Orleans: An Artist’s Retirement Paradise

by Deveney Marshall

Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, art curators, and professors, Lou and Margaret decided there was no better place to retire than New Orleans. The lifelong artists were drawn to the city’s vibrant arts culture and knew this would now be the perfect place to call home.

After deciding to move across the country, the couple happened upon the Rêve website, where they discovered Rêve agent Lazaro Suarez. Following a brief conversation with Lazaro, Lou and Margaret knew they wanted him to assist them with finding their forever home. At first, the couple had their heart set on buying an art studio that would double as their house and a gallery, but once Lazaro introduced them to their charming home in Carrollton, they knew they had to have it. “Our home has everything we were looking for, only we didn’t know it at first, and we have an art studio, which was very important to us.” Says Lou and Margaret.

Prior to moving to New Orleans, Lou and Margaret set their heart on opening an art gallery in the city. Once the couple settled into their new home, their next mission was to find the perfect location for an art gallery. Without a doubt, the couple enlisted Lazaro to assist them.

Finding the right gallery proved to be more of a challenge than buying their home, but in the end, Lazaro located the gallery of their dreams. “We knew we wanted to be in the Arts District, and at first, it seemed like everything we wanted wasn’t available. Lazaro didn’t stop until he found us a location we loved. Our gallery is everything we wanted. It’s right off of Julia Street and has enough space to showcase main talent and up-and-coming artists.” Says Lou and Margaret.

A few days ago, the artists opened the IBIS Contemporary Art Gallery in the heart of the New Orleans Arts District. Drawing from their connections as artists and professors, the owners and co-directors have brought together an exceptional and varied group of national and international artists to exhibit at IBIS. The directors hope to contribute their expertise and experience as artists to this city’s already rich and diverse culture. Lou and Margaret note, “Our main goal is to give artists the platform and space they need to host a proper exhibit and generate the income they deserve. As long as our gallery is doing that, we’re happy.”