Linn moved to New Orleans three years ago after living in New York City for more than twenty years. She was previously involved in the fashion industry, and her creative drive led her to New Orleans. Linn wanted to own a property and tap into neighborhood resources, but as the single mother of a 13-year-old girl, she wanted a more stable life than she felt New York could provide her. Her property in St Roch is perfect for their lifestyle-- the gallery itself is located on the corner, with their living space attached, and a large side yard. Linn painted the house and rear cottage cream, red, and black, the colors conveying passion and determination. The gallery's domestic style and positioning suggest a long-term commitment.
Linn strives to include the community in the gallery by hosting neighborhood-oriented events such as “Coffee on the Roch,” and the “Kids Camera Project.” The opening of the gallery itself became a hallmark for the area last year. Linn had trouble deciding what to do with the building, as it was in severe disrepair and needed intensive renovations. A photographer friend convinced her to show his work in the space if they could renovate it. Neighbors helped hang fans and paint, contributing to a buzz leading towards the opening last December. The success of the opening was marked by the special appearance of the Hot 8 Brass Band, and since then the gallery has been rotating pieces on a monthly basis. The space also hosts the New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Tuesday-Saturday nights.
The accessibility of art in an active setting adds a personal touch, setting this gallery apart from many of the more sterile spaces downtown. The comfort level and unpretentious atmosphere create an inviting space, defined by serious art, with a chair or two casually arranged to invite leisure. The environment is nurturing for visitors and artists, and will certainly be influential in the revitalization of the St. Roch neighborhood. Linn has successfully created a space that New Orleanians can identify with, in terms of both attitude and art. Linn's success comes from the life she continually infuses into the gallery.
The first time I saw the Home Space Gallery, I thought it was someone's living room-- the unassuming signage and windows do little to suggest that this space is something precious. Even after peering through the windows into the interior, the gallery on St. Roch Avenue, just a block off of St. Claude, could easily be mistaken for a domestic space, with its sparse furnishing, a grand piano, and a floor patina that hints at a rich history. The gallery maintains a local feel, integrating itself into the rhythm of St Roch. Speaking with owner, Ann Linn, she conveys a notable sense of pride regarding her space and its place in the neighborhood
Without proximity to the most established, and more commercial, downtown gallery and museum scene, Home Space is carving a niche for itself as a competitive contemporary gallery, exclusively showcasing local artists. Linn strongly feels that the gallery, which opened last December, can become a part of the future of the art community in New Orleans. Friends and local artists are encouraged to drop off their art, and the vibe is one of a collective.
Linn, who has recently partnered with Terrence Sanders for this endeavor, wants to make Home Space a launching point for underrepresented artists. The gallery embodies a certain laissez-faire spirit, very refreshing in a community where the rebuilding process seems to be burdened by negative energy and a lack of progress. Its location next to other businesses on a mixed but mainly residential street positions it to plug into local resources and the young gallery already gets a significant amount of action.
