Bywater Boo: Only in New Orleans

Part of why I started writing this blog was to show the unique sides of New Orleans, particularly the area I live in - the Bywater/Marigny. There is something special about this city that you can't quite put into words and I hope to at least capture some of that feeling through my pictures and words.

I am starting a recurring post of "Only in New Orleans" posts dedicated specifically to this.

Saturday Night:

We went to the 723 Louisa Street Digest . Our neighbor, Amanda opens her house up every 2nd Saturday of the month from 6pm - 9pm and features local artists. Three artists were featured this weekend - one of which was my friend Ashley who accompanied us on our Six Flags Adventure!

Ashley showcased photography and a short film for the event.

Some shots of her work: "Swagger and the Lost Magnificense"

Video installation: Check out the video HERE

The video was shown from a projector in the stairwell of the house!

Photgraphy:

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Jerald's sculpture was titled " Five Years in Sanpaku"

I was not able to get a good shot of it, but he had crumpled up newspaper below this installation along the wall. I love "conceptual art" that you're like wha... this is ART?! This was one of those! Although these five pieces were cool and made out of interesting materials.
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Kayleigh had two beautiful and HUGE paintings of little girls on a swing set.

I loved them!

So this is when the night goes from sophisticated to Only in New Orleans! I must mention that it is now Mardi Gras season here in New Orleans and it's filled with craziness! (Mardi Gras "season" is about 6 weeks long - ending on Ash Wednesday)

We meet this guy:

He proceeds to tell us we should be in a parade that's starting at 10 p.m. Always down for a party we tag along (but of course run home to put on something a little more costumey!)

We meet his friends in the Marigny where I see this guy:

And this guy:

Crazy pelican:

Of course always having my eye peeled for design inspiration - I got a shot of his mantle!

Anyway - we started the parade with about 40 people and a grocery cart made into a bull with a generator, speakers, an iPod and a fog machine... oh and fireworks!

We then proceeded to dance through the streets and pick up more people as we went...

I did not know who organized the parade but I heard through the grapevine that most of them were yoga teachers?! And some sort of Aquatic Social Aid & Pleasure Club?!