This Mardi Gras season is all about channeling new ways to carry on the creative spirit. KID smART—a local nonprofit that brings arts integration to the classroom and the community—is here to help. They're offering pay-what-you-can Zoom courses on music, float-building, dance choreography, and mask-making. The series was created for kids aged seven and up, families, and educators, but these virtual events are warmly open to all.
The
Krewe of Rex and the Krewe of Muses kicked off the series with their doubloon-design
activity, but no worries if you were absent that night. You've got plenty more
chances to show up to discover and create. On Tuesday, January 19, Gregory
Davis of Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be focusing on the melodic theme of
helping you put together your own Mardi Gras beat. Next up, January 26 will
bring the Krewe of King Arthur showing you how to build your dream float, in
miniature. Following them will be the Camel Toe Lady Steppers, who will guide
you through the motions on February 2. And finally, February 9 will have the
Krewe of Red Beans bringing in the costume designers to help you craft a mask that
suits your style.
The
series will happen on Tuesdays, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and since it's
online, anyone can join. So if you're missing your yearly trip to New Orleans
for Mardi Gras, you can still convene with Carnival culture-bearers.
From
January 12 through February 9, sign up for as many hour-long classes as you're
interested in on Eventbrite. Make sure to register
in advance and check out the recommended supply list. We wouldn't want you
showing up at marquette-making without a box or virtually walking into mask-making
glueless.
All
donations from the pay-what-you-can Zoom classes go toward KID smART's
education programs, where they partner closely with New Orleans schools and
educators. Together, KID smART'S staff and teaching artists are "catalysts for
creativity." A recent project with Esperanza Charter School had second-grade
students bookmaking. The endeavor combined social studies lessons with creative
writing and visual art, and frankly, looked ridiculously fun.
For
more arts-infused ways to teach kids about New Orleans's vibrant culture, check
out their resource
kits. The suggested age range on those is students from
third to sixth grade, but truly, your inner child will be delighted by what you
can learn. Ditto the Art + Food lessons and Art + Carnival reference photos.
The latter puts design elements such as value scale and color theory to play
while sketching your looks for next year. It's never too soon to start planning
for when parades are back again.
For more information, go to eventbrite.com/e/krewe-of-you-tickets-133772540269