Filming Begins

Wednesday marked the first day of filming for our Mardi Gras Indian claymation movie being made with the help of our friends Amanda, Gabe, and Kate from NYU.

You Can Do That?

Kate Hartman from New York University's Interactive Technology Program teaches students how to use conductive fabric and LED lights to create wearable electronics. Imagine a Mardi Gras Indian suit all lit up!

Session 2 Begins

Today marked the beginning of session 2. In this session, students will learn the "Uptown" style of making a Mardi Gras Indian suit, but first they are creating a claymation film which will serve as a nice review of everything they have learned thus far. The film will depict what happens when two Big Chiefs meet on Mardi Gras morning.

Students began today by creating the wire "skeletons" for their clay characters out of armature wire and then covering those skeletons with clay to add skin, hair, clothing, and other details. This project would not be possible without three very good friends from New York University's Interactive Technology Program, Amanda O'Brien, Kate Hartman, and Gabriel Barcia-Colombo. Amanda, Kate, and Gabe are here to teach our students the fundamentals of claymation , among other cool projects, to reinforce their study of Mardi Gras Indian art and culture. Check back throughout the week for updates on our progress. Thanks also to Marianne Petit from NYU's ITP who got the ball rolling for Amanda, Kate, and Gabe's participation this summer.

Session 1 Ends

Session 1 ended on June 27 with a field trip to the New Orleans African American Museum. Thanks again to Big Chief Darryl Montana, our instructor for the first four weeks of the program. Thanks also to Jessica Legaux and Maureen Crittenden who served as program assistants for session 1. Jessica is a Xavier art major. Maureen is a visiting student from Bard College participating in the Bard College Urban Studies Program in New Orleans. A final thanks to Mary Hill who served as the Community Arts Program Assistant at Xavier for the past year. Mary is leaving to pursue graduate studies at the University of Southern California this fall.

Taking A Break

Students take a break from sewing to learn ceramics with MaPo Kinnord-Payton. MaPo is an associate professor of art and departmental chair at Xavier University. She is just back from a trip to Ghana where she has worked for several years now on clay projects and to help build kilns.

Thanks Again to Margaret and the Sewing Machine Project

Here are some more images of students putting the finishing touches on their "Downtown" style sewing projects - this time with the help of some sewing machines donated to us by our good friend Margaret Jankowski and her Sewing Machine Project. Thanks again Margaret!

"Downtown" Style Projects Near Completion

Here are some images of "Downtown" style projects that are nearing completion. More to come.