The Krewe of Red Beans have announced their plans to launch the “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist” initiative. The project is endorsed by Krewe du Vieux and the Krewe of Chewbacchus – as well as Rouses Markets, NOLA Craft Culture, and Merchant House.

The goal is to create jobs, especially for the recently laid-off float builders and artisans. Because the City of New Orleans has cancelled all parades, these artists, carpenters and other artisans find themselves out of work or under-employed.

The idea came from former Krewe of Red Beans member, artist Caroline Thomas, who works as a float builder. Caroline understands the ins and outs of the float-building process and the people who make Mardi Gras what it is. “Mardi Gras float artists have spent years tirelessly working behind the scenes to bring Carnival to the streets. Now it’s time to return the favor and help keep these workers employed during a very different type of Mardi Gras. And hopefully bring some joy and magic to the public while we are at it,”says Caroline.

There has been recent local media attention given to the concept of “house floats” – a private home being transformed to look like a float. This idea, now organized by neighborhoods with themes, complements the Krewe of Red Beans’ project. This “house float” idea inspired Caroline to think of ways jobs could be created and donations raised. The Krewe of Red Beans will ask the community to crowd-fund the creation of amazing, professionally made constructions that will transform a house to delight the public.

“Our goal of raising $10,000 per house will create jobs and pay artisans. For each house, we estimate eight jobs will be created for artisans, carpenters, installation teams and project managers,” says Krewe of Red Beans founder Devin DeWulf.

The Krewe of Red Beans is managing the project, collecting donations, and making payment to artists they hire. Krewe founder, Devin De Wulf will lead this effort.

Caroline Thomas will serve as the Artistic Director for the House Float Project, which was her idea. She has over ten years’ experience working on all things Mardi Gras, including making headdresses and as a painter and designer for Royal Artists. She currently designs the floats for the Rex and Proteus parades, among the oldest in the city. She is a proud member of Krewe du Vieux, in the sub-krewe of C.R.U.D.E.

Dana Beuhler, who will serve as the Project Manager for the House Float Project, holds a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art. Since returning home to Louisiana, she has worked as a painter, sculptor and multi-media artist in the float building industry as well as in the film industry. Her portfolio includes everything from detailed murals to large-scale sculptures for Mardi Gras parades and films. In 2015 she began creating custom-made Carnival flowers and costume designs from her home studio, which eventually became Mardi Gras Customs, LLC.

Houses and businesses will be chosen at random from  donors. Companies and individuals can also commission a house. The goal is 40 “Professional Mardi Gras Homes” to be created in New Orleans. To commission a home or business, visit www.hireamardigrasartist.com