Dorian Bennett

Dorian Bennett has long been a patron and supporter of the arts. This self-described 'aesthete' majored in Fine Arts and Russia while in college at Tulane University and the College of William and Mary. He is classically trained in piano and played the clarinet in the school band. Additionally, he enjoys painting and pottery in the studio behind his house. Born in Hammond, Louisiana, Dorian has lived in New Orleans for over twenty years. He was unsure about what to do with his degrees when he graduated from Tulane. He knew that he did not want to translate Russian for the government and he did not want to work for an art gallery. A friend suggested that someone with Dorian's personal skills and appreciation for antiques, architecture and preservation would be ideally suited for the real estate business. Dorian followed this advice, and a career was born.

Prior to opening his own firm, Dorian worked for 3 agencies honing his skills and winning many awards. Dorian also serves as 'Real Estate Agent to the Stars!' He has sold property to notables Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Hackford, Jimmy Buffett and Zachary Richard. He even sold House of Blues its Decatur property. Through his work with the New Orleans Film Commission and word-of-mouth, his name has been spread around the Hollywood community. As a result, when stars come to town, they often call Dorian. Dorian's appreciation of architecture and preservation is not limited to his professional career. He received a restoration award for the renovation of his Marigny office. His residence in the 'Bend of Bourbon Street' has a lot of history behind it. Built in 1825, it has been home to the son of Louisiana's first Governor - Claiborne, and more recently, Clay Shaw of JFK conspiracy theory fame. It was also featured in the book House in the Bend of Bourbon, by Terry Flettrich. Dorian says that he has always been attracted to unique and special homes, 'As special as I can afford, anyway!' Civic activities play a prominent role in Dorian's life. Dorian is currently serving on the Senate Board Group of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Opera Board, Le Petit Theatre Board and CANO.

Previously, Dorian was on the Board of the Contemporary Arts Center, president of the Friends of Contemporary Art of the New Orleans Museum of Art, on the board of the New Orleans Opera, and the board of trustees on the New Orleans Museum of Art, French Market Corporation, the Historic District Landmarks Commission, and Family Service of Greater New Orleans.