FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT
Judy Boudreaux
504-248-0514
judyboudreaux@yahoo.com

THE GEORGE AND LEAH MCKENNA MUSEUM HOSTS
FACES OF CULTURE, INC. EXHIBTION
Carnaval Noir Nouvelle Orléans
March 15, - May 8, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, March 18, 2008--Carnaval Noir Nouvelle Orléans an exhibition curated by J. “Judy” Boudreaux for Faces of Culture, Inc. and hosted by The George and Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art opened to the public on March 15, with a reception that featured the Wild Magnolias and Glen David Andrews. The exhibition will be on view through May 8.

Witness the artistry and visually stimulating customs and traditions as expressed by African Americans in the city of New Orleans throughout the carnival season and on Mardi Gras day. The exhibition explores and brings together the costumes and photographs of various Mardi Gras Indian tribes, Skull and Bone gangs and the Baby Dolls. The regalia and photographic images of members of the court of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Inc., the Tramps, and the Walking Warriors are on display. As well as the ceremonial dress of queens of the Original Illinois and Young Men of Illinois Clubs. The works of visual artists Charles Simms, Jr., Richard Thomas, Paul R. Boudreaux, Ivan B. Watkins and Charlie Johnson; folk artists Ashton Ramsey, Rene Pierre and Margaret Chopin and photographers, Pat Jolly, Eric Waters are also featured.

“We are extremely excited to host Carnaval Noir Nouvelle Orléans,” said Shantrelle P. Lewis McKenna Museum director. “Judy Boudreaux has a profound understanding of the significance of preserving the cultural traditions of our community, especially in post-Katrina New Orleans. This exhibition serves to further institutionalize the brilliant visual aesthetic that has been created in the Black carnival traditions of New Orleans.”

A lecture and film will begin on April 5, with Ivan B. Watkins, How Red is Your Indian, and on April 12, Richard Thomas, will present Owning Your Own Gumbo. The film series kicks-off with All on a Mardi Gras Day, April 16; Tootie’s Last Suit, April 23; and The Black Indians of New Orleans, April 30. All programs will begin at 6 p.m.

“Studying, preserving and understanding the ‘street culture’ of New Orleans, and articulating what it is and means to our city and the world is what I believe I was born to do. Curating this exhibition has been more than a treat for me. It has allowed me to further appreciate carnival traditions in the Black community especially as we lie in wake of what I fear to be a vanishing of the culture,” said Boudreaux the exhibitions curator.

“What is most exciting is presenting all aspects of the Black carnival experience. Those who see Zulu usually don’t get to the Mardi Gras Indians. And only members and their invited guests have the opportunity to witness a young lady making her societal debut. Carnaval Noir is a comprehensive exhibition. There is something for everyone,” she said.

The image for Carnaval Noir Nouvelle Orléans was created by Ayo Y. Scott. Scott studied at Chicago’s Institute of Design, is a graduate of Xavier University of New Orleans and son of the late John T. Scott. “I was honored when asked to create an identity for the Carnaval Noir exhibit and immediately began to do some research on the Black carnival experience,” Scott said. “While searching through countless related images I came across an African Chokwe tribal mask. When I saw the mask I thought-- what could be more appropriate than giving a ‘face’ to the exhibit, than actually giving a ‘face’ to the exhibit. A mask from the Congo was most appropriate. The image was inspired by one of my Katrina paintings entitled Big Water it is a combination of new and old. African and African American,” he said.

“Carnaval Noir Nouvelle Orléans masterfully curated by Judy Boudreaux, is the birth of the vision that offers a preview of future exhibitions of the Allison “Big Chief Tootie” Montana Mardi Gras Indian Museum: An Institution of African American Art, Culture, and Tradition,” said Sabrina Mays Montana. “The board, staff, and supporters celebrate this authentic cultural affair… the preservation and showcasing of New Orleans African-American indigenous cultural traditions in the spirit in which it thrives,” she said.

“Two-Way-Pocky-Way--- it is unbelievable,” said Boudreaux. “With help from Sally Stassi of the Historic New Orleans Collection, Marinta Skupin, Charles Chamberlin, Wayne Phillps and Tom Lanham of the Louisiana State Museum, Louisiana St. Rep. Cedric Richmond; the encouragement of my advisor Dr. Sara Hollis, and countless others this is all possible. I am so excited I can hardly take it.”

Boudreaux honed her skills while working as an education program coordinator and director of the African World Festival at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

She has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Southern University in Baton Rouge and is completing a master’s degree in museum studies at Southern University New Orleans. The exhibition is in partial fulfillment of her degree requirement.

Faces of Culture, Inc., is a 501c 3 organization founded by Darryl and Sabrina Mays Montana in 1995 to manage the development, implementation and construction of the Allison “Tootie” Montana Mardi Gras Indian Museum. They envisioned a state-of-the-art institution that exalted African American culture and traditions, specifically, the cultural traditions of New Orleans. The mission of Faces of Culture, Inc., is to celebrate, educate, preserve and showcase New Orleans African American indigenous cultural traditions. “We have worked unceasingly to bring the vision to fruition,” said Mays Montana.

The museum is located at 2003 Carondelet St., and is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except during special events and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Adult admission is $5, students and seniors are admitted for $3 and children under 5 are admitted free. Schedule a tour by calling, 504-586-7432, or email education@the Mckennamuseum.com.

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