Carré d’artistes New Philly Location Makes Original World-Class Artwork Accessible

Nadia Martina Michelin, one of the artists currently featured at Carré d’artistes.

Carré d’artistes is a known name across the pond in Europe, but for most Philadelphians, the new gallery that opened at 104 South 13th Street in what felt like warp speed may seem like a strange, foreign concept. However, all reservations are swept away once you walk inside the charming, streamlined space.

I stopped in the new store, which is right next to Lolita, and chatted with the owner, Debra Morton, who opened the gallery in under two weeks. The mission, according to the company’s website, is pretty interesting:

“Carré d’artistes is the crazy gamble of art lovers whose ambition is to revolutionize a market previously inaccessible and compartmentalized, and to become a major actor in that market. The self-service exhibition spaces of Carré d’artistes do away with any distance, or any intermediary, between the spectator and the artwork. By presenting all the artists on an equal footing, Carré d’artistes shakes up the traditional rules. It is an alternative that democratizes contemporary art, and a generous undertaking that is respectful of the artists.”

The gallery space on 13th Street in Midtown Village.

In short, the galleries, located in Paris, Berlin, Milan, Amsterdam, New York, Istanbul, Sao Paulo, Barcelona, Seoul, and now Philadelphia, feature original pieces of art by a cohort of 600 artists at drastically affordable prices. Pieces start at $85, but bare in mind, these aren’t some cheap Ikea prints: Every piece is an original. Each gallery location offers a rotating selection of artists (you can check out the current Philly store’s roster here), and visitors are able to pick up, hold, and even arrange pieces together in the gallery.

Ms. Morton’s space was truly welcoming, with a bright layout and really appealing modern pieces. Just like the gallery, Debbie, as she calls herself, was friendly, accessible, and explained the mission and concept of the store to guests who entered. It truly is a non-intimidating experience, even if you don’t have any clue about fine art. The current roster of artists is quite impressive, and I could have very easily dropped quite a bit of money picking out some stunning works to furnish my home.

For more information on the Philadelphia location of Carré d’artistes, click here.