The N side and out

The after-work traffic moves a little slowly down Corporate Boulevard. The monthly Critical Mass bike ride, some 75 cyclists strong, is navigating in a collective swarm to the latest major addition to the local arts scene: N the Art Space, a new gallery and suite of studios owned and operated by painter Mark Nikoff.

As the sun threatens to set, the pedaling flock arrives at a lot off Jefferson Highway already crowded with cars and a bright red-and-white tent leading toward two floors filled wall-to-wall with fresh work from a couple dozen local artists.

If there is a center to the action, Nikoff would be at it. But there isn’t. The entire building moves like an organism. Patrons, friends and artists snake in and out of studios and up and down stairs. There are purchases made and handshakes shaken and smiley party pics clicked.

To think this used to be a quiet law office. Now, once a month, it’s an open house breathing with creative combustion.

“Sometimes people are coming in and out like an ant nest,” says Nikoff, holding court in the upstairs gallery while Jill St. Romain strums an acoustic guitar. “Here artists can get critiques from fellow artists, and it’s a growth opportunity. For art fans, they may come to the space to view work by one particular artist and then be introduced to another. They may not realize they love photography or stained glass until they are exposed to it and meet the artist.”

Nikoff founded Gallery N in 2006 with a group of five artist friends and modest space in Mid City. Last fall, the Southeastern Louisiana University grad closed on the new location, and this open house is the realization of the 41-year-old’s original vision. After spreading the word to friends about N the Art Space, 20 creatives of all disciplines—from photography and stained glass to pottery and painting—moved in to fill it late last year. Even more are on a waiting list.

“It’s comforting to be able to create in a place that’s not so slummy,” says Mary Singleton, a painter and artist member who spent years working in a studio where safety was a constant concern. “It’s much better than just working at home in isolation, plus you can borrow supplies if you ever need anything. There’s a healthy competition here, too.”

A self-sustaining painter and business owner himself, Nikoff is a firm believer in artists making a living as artists, not as waiters or bartenders, if only they are willing to help themselves along the way. He says safe and affordable studio space is a good first step. Lively, joint open houses and regular art exhibits, he says, are the next logical progression to raise awareness of talented artists and foster local culture.

“I have a heart for Baton Rouge to overflow with creative art energy that helps the community,” Nikoff says. “Just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you have to be starving.” galleryn.net