CRAFTS & MARKETPLACES

Beginning in the early ‘70s with a handful of artisans—from self-taught painter and street preacher Sister Gertrude Morgan, to acclaimed jewelry designer Mignon Faget, and Louisiana Coushatta basket weavers—the Festival’s Crafts now include the diverse works of more than 300 regionally and nationally acclaimed artists in four distinct event venues.

Enter Congo Square and experience music and art from Africa and the African Diaspora. The Congo Square stage features performances by African, African-American, African-Caribbean and Latino musicians. Shop at Congo Square African Marketplace for original paintings, sculpture, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and an array of handcrafted artworks.

Contemporary Crafts, is a nationally recognized showcase of alluring handcrafted clothing, beautiful leather goods and handblown glass, along with a brilliant array of paintings, photographs, sculptures and irresistible jewelry.

In the Louisiana Marketplace, the state’s finest traditional and contemporary artists display and sell hand-colored photographs, pine needle baskets, whimsical jewelry, and other creations that evoke the state’s unique cultural history.