Hi! My name is Diane Appaix-Castro and I am a French and Spanish artist living and working in New Orleans. I have always wanted to create an art space that broke the barrier between artists and art viewership. I wanted to create a space that was conducive to an experience that feels comfortable for all participants, both artists and viewers.
Studio Appaix aims to create an environment that fosters open dialog, experimental installations, and an atmosphere that caters to all people. This is achieved by allowing artists to explore and experiment in a non-traditional space and push their art beyond what might otherwise be accepted. Since there is no pressure to sell your work, you can do anything you want!
Another major element of the gallery is the food aspect; this concept was conceived to bring people (often strangers) together around a table to discuss the art around them, as the meals take place among the work. With the artist, each meal is constructed to accompany their show, either through concept, cultural traditions, or anything else that feels right given the work. Plus it's all plant-based to accommodate a larger audience!
To me, food and art are the basic necessities for a shared human experience.