New Orleans is Blooming

A Community Mural Project

Concept: A large collaborative mural on a distressed commercial building in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. 

Execution: Houston-based muralists, Annavy Phelan and Laura Bennett, guided and mentored aspiring young artists (ages 8-17 years old) during Spring Break 2023. The compositional focus of the piece included bold letters saying “New Orleans is Blooming” in the foreground. In the background, each student designed a unique, personal creation. In that space the students filled it with something they found representative of New Orleans and their interpretation of the word “blooming.” We wanted the young artists to experience both collaboration and a professional experience, as well as honor their own creative independence. 

Goal: The goal of this project was to create a deeply enriching educational art experience for the students. If any young artists wanted to continue working in this medium, we provided extended mentorship and plan for future projects. 

Outcome: Our desired outcome was to inspire young artists, help them grow independently, and create a safe place for respectful collaboration. New Orleans students collaborated with mentor artists from Texas. We hope that when they walk by their creation in their public space, they feel pride for what they created.