Enjoying the art of artist Mariana Kalacheva, second from right, at her opening reception at Caffery Gallery, are from left Caprice McClure, Dan Gunther, Jim Gershey, Kalacheva, and Caffery Gallery artistic director Mary Ann Caffery.
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Mary Ann Caffery views her painting “Grand Isle Waves,” which she is working on.
By Kate Mabry Staff Writer Houma Today
Baton Rouge artist Mary Ann Caffery wears many titles, including painter, photographer, art gallery owner and interior design instructor at Louisiana State University.
She also often describes herself as a passionate admirer of south Louisiana.
Her artwork evokes a strong connection to the Louisiana coast and includes focal images of marsh grasses, pelicans, dying trees and buildings on stilts. ....
While her work provides colorful visuals of south Louisiana, Caffery's art plays a much larger role in raising awareness about coastal erosion, said Dennis Sipiorski, ceramics professor at Southeastern Louisiana University and former Nicholls State University professor....
Local artist Mary Ann Caffery documents the light and darkness of south Louisiana in a photographic series on egrets
By Randy Faucheux Aug 14, 2013
...Caffery says all of her art, regardless of medium, is about light. In addition to light, much of her recent work also seems to be about the local region in some way, especially in terms of subject matter...
"Caffery's stunning mosaic panels, tall and slender, varying slightly in length, are intricate and colorful and, in arrangements of two or more, create stunning patterns on the wall. An 'In My Garden' series of three expresses serenity, truth and beauty by turn, and the trio belongs together. Subtle patterns and clever design mark every inch of the mosaic panels, and give them depth and meaning." From The Advocate, July 18, 2004, reviewing the Baton Rouge Gallery exhibit featuring mosaics by Mary Ann Caffery, drawings by Billie Bourgeois, and layered glass works by Craig McCullen, which was on display through July 31, 2004.
Samuel Sanders of Mid City Redevelopment Alliance. The photo links to The Advocate's Oct. 2, 2006 article on Revitalizing Mid City.
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Mary Ann's Speech: A little Baton Rouge history...
Photos of Turquoise and Exotic Stone Jewelry by Amy Kahn Russell; Reveille Article; Passion Flowers
(right, photo of Amy Kahn Russell jewelry -- earrings, necklaces, brooches -- and we have lots more of her work this week ... it's an AKR Turquoise Trunk Show!)----------------------------------------------->
A Baton Rouge native, artist Amy Kahn Russell uses antique pieces, amber, semi-precious stones and sterling silver in hand-crafted necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings. Her work was recently featured on WAFB TV-9's Weekend Morning Show with Kellee Hennessy and Barbara Dixon. In addition to our regular large variety and selection of Amy's work, we have a special turquoise trunk show. Call us at (225) 388-9397 or email CafferyGallery@gmail.com for information on available pieces and styles.
On Government Street just past Sister Paula Psychic Palm Reader and before Calandro's Supermarket lies a pink house trimmed in black and white polka dots. The threshold of the front door is framed in cloth flowers, and the windows on either side display hanging pieces of purple, green and red stained glass. Before patrons enter the Caffery Gallery, their art bone is already tickled.
Mary Ann Caffery, who earned a MFA from LSU, opened Caffery Gallery in 1989 on Government Street about eight blocks from the current location, which was established in 1992. For 13 years, the gallery housed local art as well as novelty items.
"I chose to sell and feature pieces that fit with the spirit of the store, which is unexplainable," said Caffery. "It just does or it doesn't fit into that spirit."
Among hand-crafted jewelry and pottery, customers can find Carmen Miranda paper dolls and Garden Nuns (Garden Gnomes with habits). There is a wide selection of fine art and fun toys, which both feature distinct creativity.
"Our customers are people who like unique things, who like contemporary art," Caffery said.
The contemporary theme of the gallery also is complemented with vintage reincarnations, taking the form of earrings, posters or furniture. Jewelry pieces by Catherine Popesco of Paris are molded from casts dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Many of the books, candles, soaps and postcards are nostalgic of the post-WWII era.
In keeping with Caffery's patronage of modern art, the gallery also hosts many local artists. Bruce Odell, Amy Kahn Russell and Alvin Batiste contribute original pottery, jewelry and oil paintings respectively to the inventory of work by Baton Rouge natives.
Nov. 21 marked the first of Caffery's exhibits to be shown in her own gallery. She has previously worked on mosaic pieces for the New Orleans International airport and last winter the Baton Rouge Gallery hosted her show "Icons." The recent exhibit was titled "Spiritual Journeys," which presented a series of stained glass compositions.
"Since I have been involved with art, I find it interesting what makes things sacred to people," Caffery said. "In Ireland they have standing stones, France has cathedrals ... this exhibit is my idea of spirituality."
The gallery presents a different art show every six weeks and Caffery's opening soon will be followed by an art sale. On Dec. 7, Greg Elliott and his wife, Roberta Cohen of the LSU art department, will be putting their sculpture pieces up for sale, along with Bruce Odell's pottery work. The sale will last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The gallery is a truly unique vendor for almost anything artistic. From decorative umbrellas, pink flamingo swizzle sticks and Elvis Presley memorabilia to Louisiana folk art, introspective collages and Celtic crosses, the Caffery Gallery is an exceptional contribution to Baton Rouge art and commerce.
Wall Crosses from Ireland and Small Tabletop Replicas of Celtic Crosses from Scotland, England and Ireland
Louisiana Folk Art by ALVIN BATISTE
Rusted Recycled Metal Yard Dogs & Cats --by Richard Kolb
-Architectural Stained Glass -Jewelry -Gifts From Around The World --New Glass Review Top 100
--Here's an interesting summary of the public art project that Mary Ann and other Louisiana artists completed at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans: The Concourse C Collaborative Project.
Caffery Gallery 4016 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Caffery Architectural Stained Glass and Mosaics 225-388-9957
We actively support the community through membership in Mid-City Merchants. You are encouraged to listen to WRKF, including folk, acoustic blues and world music on Hootenanny Power, Saturday nights from 9 pm to midnight, 89.3 fm, listen online at www.wrkf.org===================================================
We do not have an online catalog. You can make arrangements through phone calls and email to purchase any arts or gift items, and you can buy them securely online through PayPal by clicking the logo below. You can call us at (225) 388-9397 or email us at cafferygallery@gmail.com to determine the shipping, insurance, and any related charges to use in the popular and secure PayPal purchase.
