Gallery Bienvenu (Callan Contemporary)

New Orleans, LA

An outdated 2,500 square foot art gallery changed hands and was completely renovated to better accommodate exhibits of large scale paintings and sculpture along with a new demand for multi-media installations. A large, loft-like space was created in what were formerly small reception, exhibit and office spaces. The 1980's Victorian-style entry was replaced with a welded steel plate frame for seamless glass doors, a gesture more in keeping with the former factory building's single garage opening. Taking advantage of natural light at the front of the space, the reception counter was fabricated from thick slabs of acrylic "dovetailed" with threaded rods, all of which seems to hover above the white Corian work counter that screens equipment and supplies.