ARABI, LA – Gypsy Soul Sisters art market has opened in the quickly developing Arabi Cultural Arts District.
“We are excited to see Gypsy Soul Sisters open on St. Claude Avenue,” Andrew Jacques, executive director of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF), said. “Gypsy Soul Sisters is the latest of a number of new businesses that have capitalized on the opportunity of joining the Old Arabi Cultural Arts District.”
Gypsy Soul Sisters is a unique arts market conceived by Denise Dauterive, Kimberly Price and Suzanne Riedrich. The shop offers local artists a new venue to share and market their collective talents. Currently, the market houses work by 25 different artists.
“We were instantly caught up in the welcoming and supportive nature of St. Bernard residents,” Gypsy Soul Sisters co-owner Riedrich said. “We wanted to be part of the spirit of renewal and the palpable energy found in historic Arabi.”
Home to Studio Inferno, Studio Arabi, and the Old Arabi Marketplace, the neighborhood is quickly becoming a cultural attraction for the entire region, SBEDF reps said. Several upcoming projects, such as the Valiant Theatre and Lounge, will continue the momentum, building upon Louisiana’s powerful cultural economy.
“We explored St. Bernard Parish, talking to people and seeing first-hand the improvements to infrastructure, expansion of businesses, and beautification projects," Gypsy Soul Sisters co-owner Price said.
Arabi’s designation as a state-certified historic district and a cultural district played a role in the attraction of the new business.
“Learning of the historic designation of Old Arabi and the realization that Arabi is a forward thinking community with a great vision made our decision to open on St. Claude a no-brainer,” Gypsy Soul Sisters co-owner Dauterive said.
SBEDF, the St. Bernard Parish Office of Tourism, The St. Bernard Tourist Commission, The Meraux Foundation and the Advisory Cultural Arts District Committee strive to increase awareness of the Old Arabi Cultural District by promoting cultural activity, increasing commerce, improving occupancy, creating a greater sense of community identity, and more artistic and cultural production.
The new store immediately adds 3 jobs to the economy, SBEDF reps said, with plans to add positions seasonally. The art market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
