Dr Bob Art !

Just purchased Gus the Gator from a gallery in Vicksburg MS. Art is in the eye of the beholder. He fits right in with internationally known works by Jerry Allen. It’s not how much you pay, it’s how it makes you feel. Dr Bob lightens my day. Sam

Great local art, those that review it poorly, are simply too ignorant to understand the message/​theme. Dr. Bob is not trying to compete with monet or some other fine art. it is what it is, have a drink and enjoy the moment. life is too short for uptight art bigots !

Childish art. Wouldn’t pay a quarter for it. Also the people were rude. It’s a glorified junk yard.

I really love Dr. Bob’s artwork. «Be nice or leave» is such a a simple and effective phrase. The smallest pieces are $ 35 if you pay cash, $ 40 credit. I got a great Shut Up and Drink sign. You’ll also see quite a few works that reference a Confederacy of Dunces.
The best part about going to Bob’s studio is Bob himself. He’s a master story teller, and while he will take up an hour of your time or more if you don’t insist on leaving, it’s worth it. He’s a friendly, interesting man who can tell you a lot about New Orleans. Out of everything I did while in Louisiana this was one of my favorite experiences.

Dr Bob is first class. we were in Elizabeth, a local awesome restaurant and noticed the cool art work posted throughout. My daughter who lives in New Orleans said the artist showroom was nearby. we decided to stop in and were immediately awed by the scene. it is a very laid-​back art filled yard and showroom.
we were greeted by Dr. Bob’s dog, Blue who was freely wandering around. Dr Bob told us the amazing story of Blue. Blue was chained up in front of a house, he was neglected and abused. There was a sign advertising a car for sale at the house Dr Bob called the number and requested a meeting at a nearby place to buy the car. When the dog abuser left the house to meet up, Doc rescued Blue, Blue is now a very happy pup. Great place, we bought some art. we will return.

We met Dr. Bob in 2006 while at «Kentuck» folk art festival. We really enjoyed meeting him and talking with him! And of course loved his art! We purchased 2 of his pieces then and have loved having them all these years… While in NOLA a couple of weeks ago for a conference, I decided to find his gallery/​studio and make a visit. While he wasn’t there that day, it was a neat experience seeing his gallery. It is a very laid back space that was not in any of the touristy areas of NOLA-​called «Bywater». It’s in a warehouse type area, and I had a great time browsing his art for over an hour. It’s a very «chill» and unassuming space. The salesperson was kind and informative and just very friendly. She let me take all the photos I wanted of the art and the «gallery» so I could share them with my husband once I returned home. I purchased another «Dr. Bob» piece of art for my collection! If you love a real folk artist, you have to check out Dr. Bob!!! And if you already know about him, go check out his gallery while in NOLA-it’s off the beaten path but well worth it!

I barely ever write reviews… what’s the point? But when I saw that Dr. Bob has 3 and a half stars overall, and that some… really, really delightful indivldual wrote a one-​star review because the announced hours didn’t match up with his/​her experience… I had to chime in to tip the scales in the correct direction.
First off, if you come to the workspace and gallery of a local folk artist, and your expectations are in line with the workspace and gallery of a local folk artist, you will be TOTALLY SATISFIED. It’s great. The place is spacious. Dr. Bob is usually there and can’t help but tell stories on repeat. The small pieces are $ 30, and the bigger ones are more.
Know what you’re coming to see and enjoy it.

I had always seen Dr. Bob’s art all over New Orleans, but it wasn’t until a friend and I did a post lunch pop in, that I knew that he had an actual studio.
If you are looking for New Orleans folk art, Dr. Bob is pretty much the «go to». In this small studio you can find paintings and signs of all types. In fact, until Simon came along, you would see Dr. Bob’s art in every restaurant and bar in the area.
You can find art for pretty cheap here (under $ 50) and he has bigger, more expensive pieces, if you are looking for something like that. He also does custom work, so if there is something that you have in mind, sit down with him and he will be happy to collaborate with you.
Dr. Bob also works Jazz Fest every year and sells his work there, if you don’t want to venture to Chartres.

Be Nice or Leave! That may be Dr. Bob’s most popular phrase, but his work is much more than that.
My first exposure to Dr. Bob was back in the early 90s. Back then I was a very young and impressionable kid who had never seen, or even heard of folk art. Back then I began working at a local music venue where the walls were covered in these crazy cool pieces of art. Imagine my surprise when I learned that one of the artists was a regular and one of the most laid back, cool characters you could ever meet. That artist was Dr. Bob and he hasn’t changed a bit.
Dr. Bob Art is not your traditional art gallery. It is located in a industrial area and the gallery itself is a giant warehouse. His larger more expensive pieces adorn the walls and the smaller more reasonable ones are towards the middle of the building. I really would love his giant turtle for my office, but it was a bit out of my price range. Even though I didn’t buy anything on this trip I did appreciate getting to see all that was on display. If you’re a lover of folk art I strongly recommend you visit this gallery.
In addition to the art on display, you are likely to run in to Dr. Bob himself. If you do, take the opportunity to talk with him. That experience is usually as rewarding as the art itself.

I came here twice in one week.
The first time there was a huge sign that said «open» and a little sign that said be back at 10:30. It was way past 10:30. We were uncertain so my boyfriend rang the bell. The lady that answered rudely just pointed to the sign said nothing and shut the door.
I had really wanted to come buy some local art so I decided to give it one more chance before I left. Again we were greeted by the same lady this time a little nicer. She seemed like she genuinely cared about our visit but she really just wanted probe to find out if we were staying at an air bnb so she could accuse us of robbing New Orleans of their taxes.
During our stay we ONLY supported local businesses. We donated money to a battered women’s shelter and we gave money to the Katrina Exhibit. I came to Dr bobs to spend some money but after meeting her I decided to spend it somewhere else.
Maybe you should look around and practice what you preach.

My house rules & words to live by: Be Nice or Leave!
Filled with funky folk art, silly signs, and a wealth of photo ops, Dr. Bob’s Art Studio is a great place to shop for some Dr. Bob Art and get a real life taste of 9^th Ward Cul-​cha at it’s finest. You can buy original art at reasonable prices. You can talk with the artist and hear some fantastic stories while you shop.
His studio is on the back end of a huge industrial yard that is shared with a few other businesses. Enter the fence from Chartres and go towards the back right hand side.

Let’s be honest, part of the appeal of visiting whacky N’walins is that it’s filled with kooky characters… and Dr. Bob could be at the top of that King cake.
As you stroll a wee bit off the beaten path into the upcoming Bywater hood (and you should), you’re likely to pass Dr. Bob’s compound (just look for the «Be Nice Or Leave» sign) on the main drag.
As you step inside, a couple things you’re guaranteed to experience…
1. Crazy yarns spun by Dr Bob himself peppered with colorful, salty language… make sure to ask about his Katrina experience
2. Fantastic, equally colorful local artwork for sale that you’ll have likely seen featured in area bars & restaurants… and wiggle room pricing
3. Plenty of recommendations for good food n drink
No trip is complete without a visit to the Dr!

Yes, even the lowest prices are not cheap.
No, even if you buy something, they do not have a restroom.
However, to have something authentic from NOLA, this place is great. And it may look cheap with the bottle caps, however, art comes in many forms, and this is an authentic look. The distressed wood the work is done on is awesome. The staff is VERY friendly. I am glad that I came, even if all I can afford is the «Be nice or leave» sign. There is a great amount of cultural icons that are depicted here.

you ain’t New Orleans if you ain’t got Dr Bob artwork. Be Nice or Leave and Don’t Sell Cats Here…
The Dr Bob Warehouse has something for everyone and the rudimentary pieces will surely put you in a playful, happy mood. Ranging from $ 30 — $ 250 you can put an iconic piece in your home or office and give a distinctly New Orleans highlight to your surroundings.

Yahoo! I finally own a Dr. Bob original~ (Besides a «Be Nice or Leave» small sign.) Bought at his «compound» in NOLA. Never even thought I cared for folk art that much — but I love love love my Catahoula Hound.
Dr. Bob is so interesting — very hospitable — entertaining — and a real personality.

Cool fun place. Dr bob is very hospitable, and genuine to chat with visitors. Lots of neat art, different, eclectic — that’s why it’s cool. U don’t have to buy the art, just stop by to check it out. It seems other posters are a bit rough on Dr Bobs with 2 & 3 stars. Lighten up y’all. It’s art. Just appreciate it even if u don’t buy it or like it. You’re not buying Picasso’s for millions of dollars either, so if you don’t like the art then just don’t buy it, but don’t complain about it either. This is a fun and unique New Orleans place.

Dr. Bob is a local artist/​character in the Bywater part of town. You’ll see his stuff all over NOLA these days and for a lot of money considering your getting funky folk art that is pretty much all a formula these days. He’s a crusty interesting guy and has a crew of equally interesting studio assistants who have literally made a career out of one solid catch phrase. If you like his work, this is the only place to get it, you’ll save yourself a considerable mark up by buying it here. If nothing else, its an entertaining place to visit and there is usually something for everyone here. Word of advice, if you drive in here, the gate to the interior chain link only appears locked, you have to reach inside the gate to turn the door knob and let yourself in.

Interesting place. Not sure many people would make the trek out to the Upper 9^th but it’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area. Many of the restaurants and shops in NOLA sport works of art by Dr. Bob so it was kind of interesting to see his «lab».
The help was nice enough. They’ve got some quirky signs outside saying to «be nice or leave» and other various things. It definitely felt like the beginning of a horror movie in which the tourists stop at a place that looks like a warehouse with some interesting locals and next thing you know they’re artwork. It didn’t help that you could hear Dr. Bob upstairs banging on things and dropping giant things of metal from the 2^nd story onto the floor.
Still, it was an interesting experience (albeit a bit unnerving).
*Note*
Dr. Bob preaches, «Be nice or leave» in all his artwork. However, he did not seem that amicable. Also, his artwork seemed overpriced. Then again, doesn’t all artwork seem overpriced?

off the beaten path in the upper 9^th ward near elizabeths.
hes the local kook. makes all sorts of eclectic pieces of art but seems to mostly focus on signs like «be nice or leave», which are hung in almost every establishment we went to in nola. uses lots of bottle caps. i just cant cough up $ 35 for something that doesnt take a lot of talent and i could do myself. other pieces of art werent very attractive in my opinion.

Paintings of sandwiches, gators, and cultural icons. Folk art at its best. Do yourself a favor; hop on a plane, visit NOLA in the summer as the night-​blooming Jasmine dances its scent upon the streets, and take a stroll over to this delightful collection of artistic renderings.
«Be Nice or leave!»