The Louisiana SPCA is spear heading a public art and fundraiser called "Paws on Parade." This project is a local spin on the Cows on Parade project that began in Chicago back in 1999.
Instead of fiberglass cows, the subject of the public art project is a Mardi Gras Bead Dog. If you did not grow up with mardi gras beads as a staple in your arts and crafts closet at home, here is the definition from the LASPCA's website:
What is a Mardi Gras Bead Dog®?
A tradition among generations of New Orleanians, children create Bead Dogs from discarded Mardi Gras throws. A few twists and turns transform a necklace of beads into a fun trinket to enjoy. Haydel’s Bakery adopted the Mardi Gras Bead Dog® as their mascot and has graciously donated the sculpture’s mold to promote the LA/SPCA’s mission.
There are 100 Paws on Parade sculptures that are about 5' long x 4' tall x 3' wide and will be parading around New Orleans(once they are painted/decorated) from Mardi Gras throughout the summer.
My friends over at Woodward asked me to decorate their bead dog that will live right outside their new office. It was really an honor that they asked me to do this as it will be my very first public art project!
Here are my sketches:
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| Woody Woodward all dressed for work. |
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| Woody's tool belt is filled with his tools and blue prints. |
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| My nephew, Cole Perrilliat riding the blank canvas and helping me get inspired! |
