Stained glass windows usually mean a Sunday service, but one New Orleans building now pours its colored light over tubes of oil paint and shelves of sketchbooks. The old church has been given a second life, and the pews have been replaced by racks of pencils, brushes, and handmade notebooks.
Artists in a city full of makers have a place to stock up without settling for a big box craft aisle. Keep reading to find out what is waiting inside.
A Church Turned Creative Playground
Colored light spills across the floor, and that is the first surprise. The building was once a church, and the stained glass windows are still part of the room.
Instead of hymnals, the shelves hold paints, pads, and pens. The tall ceilings give the space a calm, airy feel that suits browsing.
I found myself slowing down, which is rare in a store. Art supplies are best discovered at a gentle pace, and this setting practically demands it.
Next, I will tell you exactly where to find this creative landmark and how to plan your visit.
Finding Mo’s Art Supply NOLA
The store is Mo’s Art Supply NOLA, found at 2525 Bienville St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119, United States. It sits in a part of the city where locals live, work, and make art.
Hours are simple to remember. Doors open at 10 am and close at 6 pm Monday through Saturday.
Sunday is the day off, so plan around it. I would double check the website before heading out, since hours can change.
Once you are inside, the real fun begins, starting with the paint wall.
Paint Selection That Serious Artists Notice
Paint is where this shop shows off. Oils, acrylics, and gouache fill the shelves, and the brands lean toward professional quality.
You will spot names such as Gamblin, Winsor and Newton, Williamsburg, and Sennelier. That makes it easier to find a favorite tube without ordering online and waiting.
Prices reflect the quality, so budget a bit. Still, the range lets beginners and working painters pick what fits their projects.
If you are short on time, head here first. Then wander toward the paper, because there is plenty more to see.
Colored Pencils You Can Test First
Choosing pencils online is a guessing game. Here, you can try before you buy, which changes everything.
Holbein colored pencils are among the favorites on hand, and a test sheet helps you judge how smooth the color lays down. A few quick strokes tell you more than any product photo.
Trying supplies is a smart habit for any artist. It saves money and avoids that sinking feeling of a mismatched set.
Ask for a scrap of paper and sketch a small swatch. Then keep walking, because the paper aisle has surprises too.
Sketchbooks and Handmade Notebooks
A blank page can feel like a promise. The notebook shelves here make that feeling hard to resist.
Sketchbooks come in many sizes, and handmade notebooks add a personal touch. They also make easy gifts for friends who like to draw or journal.
I liked how the stationery area has grown, with more home goods mixed in. It gives the store a boutique feel next to the serious supplies.
Pick one with paper that suits your favorite tools. Up on the balcony, something playful is waiting for younger artists.
The Balcony for Young Creators
Kids get their own corner upstairs. The balcony section holds supplies made for smaller hands and big imaginations.
It is a handy stop for parents hunting for a rainy day project. Everything is within reach, and the view down onto the main floor is fun on its own.
Starting young artists with good materials can make drawing feel exciting rather than frustrating. Let them choose a few items themselves.
Back on the ground floor, a wall of stamps and craft goods is waiting for more curious browsing.
Stamps, Crafts, and Things You Did Not Plan to Buy
Some shoppers walk in for one stamp and walk out with a bagful. That happens easily here, since the craft supplies are full of little temptations.
Beyond the stamps, you will find items that feel more playful than the professional paints. They are great for card making, journaling, and weekend projects.
Give yourself extra time for this area. Small discoveries tend to appear when you least expect them.
Craft lovers should also know the store keeps a mix of fun products and serious tools, which leads nicely to the question of what budgets look like.
Student Discounts and Fair Prices
Art can get pricey fast. A student discount at this shop eases the pinch for those learning the craft.
Bring your school ID if you have one, and ask about current terms. Everyday items such as pencils, pads, and basic paints can be picked up quickly when a project is due.
Quality materials tend to cost more, so choose wisely. Buying a few good tools often beats a pile of cheap ones.
Need your finished work displayed? Framing has changed here, and the next section explains how.
A Local Alternative to Big Box Craft Stores
Many cities offer only chain craft stores. New Orleans has plenty of artists but fewer dedicated art supply shops, which makes an independent one valuable.
Here you will find a lot packed into a modest footprint. The mix of professional materials and fun products means one stop can cover many needs.
Shopping local also keeps money in the community. That matters in a city so tied to creativity.
The shop also has roots beyond New Orleans, and that story comes next.
From Baton Rouge to New Orleans
Mo’s began as a trusted supply source in Baton Rouge. The New Orleans location carries that same spirit to a new audience.
Baton Rouge shoppers know the name, and they often say the new shop feels just as welcoming. That connection gives the store a track record before you even walk in.
A move to a former church shows how much thought went into the space. It is not a generic retail box.
Ready to plan your own trip? A few simple tips will help you make the most of it.
Tips for Your First Visit
Bring a short list, but leave room for surprises. The shelves are packed, and you will likely find products you did not know existed.
Plan to visit Monday through Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm. Remember that Sunday is closed, which catches some visitors off guard.
Test supplies when you can, ask questions, and look up toward the windows. The building itself is part of the experience.
After shopping, keep exploring New Orleans. Local galleries, museums, and neighborhood cafes make a perfect follow up for any art lover wanting more inspiration.
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