Lead Artists Monica Rose Kelly, Gabby Tolliver, Tyla Maiden, Sasha Swan, and Lillian Aguinaga. Photo by Tammie Quintana

New Orleans witnesses a groundbreaking achievement in the world of public art with the completion of the massive “Gumbo Botanica” triple mural on 1101 Elysian Fields Ave. This project, which spanned over 6 months, marks a significant milestone as it is the first all women and youth-led mural production in the city. The collaboration between People for Public Art and Arts New Orleans: Young Artist Movement (YAM) has culminated in a stunning mural that showcases the talents and creativity of local artists and young visionaries.

The dedication ceremony for the mural, aptly named “Gumbo Botanica,” is scheduled for March 30, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. The event promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and community spirit, highlighting the transformative power of public art in enriching neighborhoods and inspiring future generations.

The mural, which adorns all public-facing sides of the former Beauty Plus building, features massive portraits of “the young women of New Orleans” alongside flowering cooking herbs. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the artists involved, particularly the 9 New Orleans teens (8 of whom are girls) who were actively engaged in the project through educational workshops and hands-on experience.

Led by artist Monica Rose Kelly, the mural project was born out of a desire to revitalize the space after the previous mural series, created by Kelly, Tyla Maiden and Sasha Swan, was whitewashed, leading to community outcry. With the support of the building owners and additional funding from donors and a GoFundMe campaign, the mural has become a symbol of unity and artistic expression.

The “Gumbo Botanica” mural not only adds vibrancy to the neighborhood but also pays homage to Vietnamese culture, with depictions of cooking herbs that have influenced New Orleans cooking via Vietnamese culinary traditions. The building owners’ twin 10 year-old daughters are depicted in the portrait series alongside larger-than-life depictions of the student artists themselves. Youth artists Mikale Gobernado, Deshawne Cornelius, Anika Binalla, Alella Binalla, and Faith Johnson are all represented in the design, emphasizing  the project’s community-driven approach and commitment to inclusivity.

For those interested in experiencing the “Gumbo Botanica” mural and learning more about the artists and organizations involved, the dedication ceremony on March 30 is an opportunity not to be missed. It represents a triumph of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of art in New Orleans.

To support the final stages of the project and contribute to artist payments and varnish costs, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/08f85d9c.

For more information about People for Public Art and Spectrum Arts NOLA, visit their respective websites.