The fences of Jackson Square usually serve as a display case for local artists’ paintings, drawings and art pieces. Tuesday afternoon, it was bare, with the exception of a few scattered entrepreneurs.
Among them was Lloyd Lockett. He’s been selling paintings in the French Quarter for five years, but he says this summer has been particularly difficult.
“I’m barely making rent right now. It’s just the costs, gas is high, it’s really hitting the artists. It’s really hard for all of us, sometimes we have to help each other out,” Lockett said.
Stacy Mac Zakem also braved the heat to sell her art despite the nearly triple-digit temperatures. She and her husband make their livelihood selling art and it’s one of the toughest summers they’ve had in decades.
Mac Zakem is hoping the community pulls together to help all the artists get to the fall.
“I love good food, I love to travel, I love the experience, but with art, it’s something you put on your wall and you get to appreciate it all the time so keep supporting us,” said Mac Zakem.
