With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic pretty much shutting down Mardi Gras activities around the state, some folks in New Orleans have found a way to celebrate, and help out those whose livelihoods depend on the annual festivities.

According to NOLA.com, the "Hire a Mardi Gras Artist" project was conceived by Caroline Thomas of Royal Artists, the folks who are the premier talent behind building some of New Orleans' most famous Mardi Gras floats. You have no doubt seen their work in parades for the Krewes of Rex, Proteus, Chaos and Krewe d'Etat.

WWL says the “project is putting carnival artists to work, transforming houses this year instead of floats. It takes about $10,000 per house to pull off. Through fundraising and donations, the money pays a team of artists to design, create and install."

The project basically is a lottery system that consists of charitable donations to try to raise at least $10,000 per house via Go Fund Me. Houses will then be "made over"  to resemble a Mardi Gras float by professionals who are currently out of work. The Krewe of Red Beans Marching Club spearheaded the project since no parades will be allowed to roll next year.

The first house has been completed at 1834 Toledano St in New Orleans. It consists of a huge papier-mâché skull, some winding snakes, beautiful irises, and a whole lot of heart. You can see the finished project in the video from WWL TV below.

If you would like to bypass the lottery, you just make a $10,000 donation to have your house decorated, and keep the Mardi Gras spirit going! Read more about the "Hire a Mardi Gras Artist" project from NOLA.com

 

 

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