A local artist paints a portrait of the St. Tammany Art Association. Karim Shamsi-Basha

Get inspired by the Northshore’s art spaces. Here’s a day’s worth of gallery-hopping… .

Eat before art
Get thee fortified with strong coffee and a great breakfast at Mattina Bella in downtown Covington before hitting the historic district’s art galleries.

Hail, Columbia
The district’s Columbia Street is home to a number of galleries. You won’t want to miss the largest of them, Brunner Gallery, for a look at fine contemporary art by scores of artists from the region and well beyond, working in every media. Gallery Nu presents regional artists, including the bronze sculpture of Bill Binnings. Fort Isabel features rotating exhibits by local artists in all media. At the center of it all is the St. Tammany Art Association, housed in an historic building, it offers continuous rotating exhibits of members’ works as well as hosting events, classes and other exhibitions.

Reminisce about your day at Dish on First. John Everett

Lunch with the artiste
Noted New Orleans artist Michalopoulos owns and has decorated Etoile Restaurant & Wine Bar, his eclectic and fun restaurant that's a riot of color and light. Many of his paintings of iconic New Orleans hang on the walls.

Next up: Abita
After lunch, make the short drive to Abita Springs for a visit to the relatively new Berkeley Gallery, then head for the Abita Mystery House at the UCM Museum. The Mystery House is a roadside attraction-like emporium of found objects, interactive installations, Southern humor and outsider art, sprung from the brain of John Preble.

Last stop, Slidell
Explore the talents of east St. Tammany artists at the Slidell Art League Gallery, located in the historic train depot. The league hosts regular shows, competitions and exhibits.

The Dish on dinner
Enjoy the artful culinary offerings of Dish on First, a casual spot with upscale food in Olde Towne Slidell.


If you go…

Mattina Bella, 985-892-0708
Brunner Gallery, 985-893-0444, www.brunnergallery.com
Fort Isabel Gallery, 985-892-1841
Gallery Nu, 985-867-5300
Etoile Restaurant, 985-892-4578
Berkeley Gallery, 985-373-3623
Abita Mystery House at the UCM Museum, 985-892-2624
Slidell Art League Gallery, 985-847-9458
Dish on First, 985-781-1440


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