The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and additional access is available by appointment.

The gallery is located at 400A Julia Street in the historic Arts District of New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

What is the history of the gallery?

Founded in 1998 by artist and activist Jonathan Ferrara, the gallery served as a forum for creative ideas. On January 1, 2024, it was renamed the Ferrara Showman Gallery when long-time director Matthew Weldon Showman became a full partner.

What kind of art can I see there?

The gallery features contemporary art through monthly curated exhibitions, special projects, and online exclusive programming. They showcase talent from New Orleans, the U.S., and international locations such as Nigeria, Germany, and Cuba.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Jonathan Ferrara Gallery in New Orleans

Jonathan Ferrara Gallery

A cornerstone of the New Orleans Arts District, this gallery showcases contemporary talent from Cuba, Germany, and Nigeria, and is famous for its long-running NO DEAD ARTISTS exhibition.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What is the Jonathan Ferrara Gallery known for?

Now known as the Ferrara Showman Gallery, it is a cornerstone of the New Orleans Arts District that promotes local, national, and international contemporary artists. It is particularly celebrated for its 'NO DEAD ARTISTS' initiative, an international juried exhibition established to support emerging artists.

What to know

Located at 400A Julia Street, the Ferrara Showman Gallery is a premier destination for contemporary art in the historic Arts District of New Orleans. The space was founded in 1998 by artist and activist Jonathan Ferrara to serve as a forum for the exchange of creative ideas. On January 1, 2024, the institution evolved into a partnership when longtime gallery director Matthew Weldon Showman became a full partner, leading to the current name change. The gallery has spent over 25 years fostering a reputation for promoting artists from the United States and abroad. Its programming is diverse, featuring monthly curated exhibitions and special projects that highlight talent from countries including Nigeria, Germany, and Cuba. This commitment to global perspectives has helped New Orleans establish itself as an international destination for contemporary art. One of the gallery's most celebrated initiatives is NO DEAD ARTISTS, an international juried exhibition established by Jonathan Ferrara in 1995. Originally open only to New Orleans-based artists, the exhibition grew to include all of Louisiana before becoming a national juried event in 2010. Now in its 30th iteration, the series continues to champion emerging voices in the art world. Visitors can experience a rotating schedule of works, such as the new sculpture show by Jonathan Ferrara held from June 3 to July 11, 2026. The gallery remains a vital hub for the local creative community, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the downtown arts scene.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit between Tuesday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check for 'First Saturday' gallery openings, which typically run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If visiting outside standard hours, contact the gallery to arrange access by appointment.

Nearby context

The gallery is situated on Julia Street, the primary artery of the New Orleans Arts District, where it serves as a cornerstone among other contemporary galleries and studios.