To see through the eyes of an artist is to find interest in the mundane, beauty in the decrepit, purpose in the discarded and security in the uncertain. Sometimes, the
Mardi Gras parades were cancelled in New Orleans for the first time in more than 40 years.
But New Orleans residents have found a creative solution: turn their houses themselves into floats.
The drive to create “house floats” is supporting a community of local artists who lost their jobs.
Mardi Gras looks different for New Orleans residents this year.
Back in November, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the cancellation of festivities. The city made a point to note that while Mardi Gras itself can’t be cancelled, the city won’t be able to “celebrate the holiday this year as we have in the past.”
Love in the time of Mardi Gras and a coronavirus pandemic. Demian and Angela Estevez kiss through their masks while hanging out on their front porch decked out like a Mardi Gras float on Wednesday in New Orleans. And, like any self-respecting float, this house also has a title, which is The Night Tripper. Because the coronavirus pandemic is causing widespread unemployment for Mardi Gras float painters and makers and designers, the Krewe of Red Beans started an initiative to put these artisans to work decorating houses for Mardi Gras. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Krewe of Red Beans Announces Its “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist” Initiative
The Krewe of Red Beans have announced their plans to launch the “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist” initiative. The project is endorsed by Krewe du Vieux and the Krewe of Chewbacchus – as well as Rouses Markets, NOLA Craft Culture, and Merchant House.
The goal is to create jobs, especially for the recently laid-off float builders and artisans. Because the City of New Orleans has cancelled all parades, these artists, carpenters and other artisans find themselves out of work or under-employed.
The idea came from former Krewe of Red Beans member, artist Caroline Thomas, who works as a float builder. Caroline understands the ins and outs of the float-building process and the people who make Mardi Gras what it is. “Mardi Gras float artists have spent years tirelessly working behind the scenes to bring Carnival to the streets. Now it’s time to return the favor and help keep these workers employed during a very