Weird Homes Tour – New Orleans

New Orleans native, Nicole Charbonnet has been a painter and working artist for years. Often resembling old, found photos, Nicole’s paintings explore the ideas of memory and the act of remembering.  It’s not a surprise then, that when looking for a studio / living space Nicole would choose to save and refurbish a space with lots of memories already living in it.

Once an old mattress and broom factory, Nicole’s 7,000 square foot Irish Channel home/studio was left vacant for years after Katrina until she found it. With some TLC, Nicole has transformed this once abandoned factory into someplace quite cozy.  A place where the 20 ft ceilings shine plenty of light on all of Nicole’s artwork and supplies. A place where her pet dogs, pig, and chickens could call home.

One of the items on the list of renovations was replacing the roof which she decided to outfit with solar panels that supplies all the power she needs. After Katrina, Nicole likes the idea of living off of the grid and serving as a resource for her neighbors if the next storm comes.

Nicole’s home also houses the studio of artist Francesca Koerner. Ms. Koerner is primarily a painter, but she also works with photography, mixed media, installation and video. Her studio is also on view during the tour.