Kolaj Institute Gallery is an exhibition gallery, residency center, artist studio, library and archive. Located at 2374 Saint Claude Avenue, Suite 230, at the corner with St. Roch Avenue above the Peach Cobbler Factory. The Gallery is open Thursday-Saturday, Noon-6PM or by appointment.
Kolaj Institute also manifests in other locations and art institutions around New Orleans with the intent to activate community centered around collage.
Collage artists interested in professional development, artist residencies, and artist labs should consult the Calls to Artists page for open opportunities.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers play a critical role at Kolaj Institute Gallery. We are looking for people who can help install exhibitions, staff the gallery during open hours, help with archiving, and lend a hand with opening receptions. If you’re interested or have questions send an email to gallery@kolajinstitute.org.
If you’d like to support Kolaj Institute and help keep our community events low-cost, Make a Donation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Collage Artist Meet-Up
Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 6-8PM
Cost: Free
At Kolaj Institute, we reject the myth of the solitary artist and believe that artists are better in community with one another. In that spirit we invite working artists to join us for a monthly meet-up to get feedback on work, and network with one another. Find out who’s looking for folks to exhibit, meet other working artists, and get the low-down on the skinny of what’s up and up. The event is hosted by LaVonna Varnado Brown at Kolaj Institute Gallery. RSVP is helpful but not necessary. Artists are encouraged to bring artwork to share with the group. Questions? Send an email to info@kolajinstitute.org
PAST EVENTS
Getting Started with Collage
Thursday, November 14th, 6:30 to 8:30PM
Cost: $50 for one, $75 for two
Are you curious about collage but not sure where to start? This workshop is for you. Kolaj Institute Director Ric Kasini Kadour guides participants into the world of collage. He will provide an overview of the medium and some tips for gathering materials and getting started. He will discuss various approaches to cutting and composition. Participants will collaborate on a group collage and then make their own.
All supplies are provided. Kolaj Institute has a variety of supplies, including magazines, books, ephemera, substrates, X-acto knives, and of course, scissors and glue. Attendees are welcome to bring their own materials or projects to work on. Donations of materials are always appreciated.
Participants will leave the workshop with a collage they made and a deeper understanding of how they can make collage at home.
This workshop is for ages 18 and up.
Through a Glass Brightly: A Collage on Glass Workshop
Saturday, November 9th, 2-5PM
Cost: $75 for one, $100 for two
Participants will explore using glass as a substrate for mixed media collage with collagist Julie A Bell. Similar to reverse painting, the collages are made on the back of a clear glass plate to be viewed from the front. Participants will learn the technique of working from foreground to background and in mirror image (materials placed on the left of composition will appear on right when the glass is turned over). The result is a striking collage composition with a clear glass finish. In addition, participants will explore repetitive patterns through stenciling, visual texture, and building layers through transparencies. All necessary materials are included.
From Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Julie A. Bell was artist in residence at Kolaj Institute in April 2024 where she worked in a maximalist, abstract style, using found materials, handmade paper, acrylics and inks, Bell developed a series of collages that explores the history and tourist culture of the city. Her unique and eclectic imagery is rooted in the exploration of place, traditional culture and the evolving social landscape. Using found materials, handmade paper, acrylics and inks, Bell carefully constructs compositions that are full of energetic color and layered meaning.
Open Studio with Kolaj Institute Artist-in-Residence Emmanuel Laflamme
Saturday, 2 November 2024, 2-4PM
Cost: Free, limited space
Montreal-based collagist Emmanuel Laflamme writes, “Combining cultural references, I combine ancient and modern myths to share my perspective on the world, at once tender and critical. The absurd is my playground and anachronism is my specialty.” During his residency, Laflamme will create a new series of collages that push his boundaries and focus on developing a better understanding of his own artistic practice. He will meet with New Orleanians and collect materials locally, working from what he finds. He will seek inspiration in archives and local history museums. The body of work he creates in New Orleans will influence future work in painting, mixed media and other artistic endeavors.
On Saturday, 2 November 2024, 2-4PM, the public is invited to visit Kolaj Institute Gallery to meet the artist and see how the artwork is progressing.
Learn more about Emmanuel Laflamme’s Solo Residency https://kolajinstitute.org/solo-residencies/