Garden District: A Journey Through Art and History

Grab your sketchbook and hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar as we head into the heart of the Garden District—one of New Orleans’ most elegant and storied neighborhoods.

Known for its grand antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets, the Garden District is a showcase of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian architecture. However, this sketch walk is much more than just drawing buildings. As we stroll, we’ll slow down, observe, and sketch the details that bring this place to life—the twist of a wrought-iron gate, the texture of old brick, the dappled light beneath a balcony, or the contrast of lush gardens against painted shutters. Inspiration is everywhere.

We’ll visit iconic stops including famed Magazine Street, soaking in the creative energy of local shops, galleries, and cafés—an ideal setting to relax, sketch, or simply observe. Bring your favorite tools and your curiosity. This is not just a tour—it’s an artistic adventure of culture and beauty.

Porches, Shadows, and Storylines: A Quiet Walk Through Algiers Point

For a slower, more reflective view of New Orleans, take the ferry across the Mississippi to Algiers Point. Just minutes from Canal Street, experience a quieter, older version of the city—rich in detail and full of personality. This is New Orleans’ second-oldest neighborhood, almost entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You’ll wander narrow streets to see Greek Revival town homes, shotgun houses, and Creole cottages leaning gently into each other like old friends. The architecture engages the street in a way that feels deeply human-scaled—walkable, welcoming, and intuitive.

Highlights include the stately Algiers Courthouse with its neoclassical lines, and Old Point Bar, where live music sometimes drifts onto the street. At the Algiers Levee Trail, you’ll find one of the city’s best skyline views—especially magical at the golden hour.

But often, the real inspiration lies in small details: porch plants spilling over containers, narrow alleyways, or cottages that feel pulled from a storybook. These are moments of intimacy and place—spatial storytelling at its finest.

Algiers Point also carries a deeper story. Once a port in the domestic slave trade, it’s now a UNESCO “Site of Memory.” Its beauty is inseparable from its history—and as designers, it’s essential to notice not just how places look, but what they mean.

Take a journey and walk with purpose. Sketch what you see—and consider what stories liebeneath the surface.

Along the New Orleans Riverfront

Join us as we capture the vibrant soul of New Orleans along the city’s historic riverfront! Our artistic journey begins at the Convention Center, where we hop aboard a classic streetcar and ride out to scenic Waterfront Park. With sketchbooks in hand, we’ll stroll alongside the mighty Mississippi, sketching iconic riverboats and soaking in the rhythm of the river as we head toward the pier.

Our path leads into the heart of the French Quarter, where lively streets offer endless inspiration. We’ll make our way to Jackson Square, surrounded by artists, street performers, and breathtaking historic architecture. Then it’s on to the French Market, where rich visual textures and colors fill every corner. A well-earned stop at Café du Monde offers sweet beignets, café au lait, and time to sketch or simply take it all in.

Side explorations into the French Quarter reveal even more inspiration: ornate wrought-iron balconies, lush courtyards, and the colorful street scenes that bring the city’s culture to life. This immersive sketch walk offers a creative and unforgettable way to experience the charm, history, and spirit of New Orleans.

Sketching the Soul of New Orleans: Parks, Streets, and Sacred Spaces

Embark on an immersive sketch walk through the heart of New Orleans, where every corner tells a story and the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage comes to life. This journey winds through iconic open spaces like Lafayette Square and Jackson Square—historic parks and vibrant public squares that invite creative exploration.

We’ll trace the historic pathways of St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street, Poydras Street, Royal Street, and Camp Street—each alive with character, history, and unique architectural styles. Ride the city’s famed streetcar for a moving sketching vantage point, then dive into the vibrant Julia Street Art District—a modern hub of artistic energy and contemporary culture.

From the bustling Warehouse District and the storied Old Central Business District to the timeless charm of the French Quarter, this route offers countless opportunities to capture the soul of New Orleans. Along the way, sketchers will engage with New Orleans’; sacred architecture, including landmarks like Immaculate Conception Church, St. Patrick’s Church, and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.

This walk is a chance to slow down, look closely, and sketch a city that blends history, art, and everyday life into something truly unforgettable.