Third graders from Laurel Dell Elementary joined Jen Daly and Suzanne Joyal for a Carnival-inspired field trip on Tuesday. The students’ Carnival costume pieces, created with Mentor Artist Gabby Gamboa, are currently on exhibit in YIA Gallery at Youth in Arts.
Students checked out the gallery exhibit and learned about the Carnival tradition around the world and Mardi Gras here in the U.S. They sang “Iko Iko,” a song about the Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans and learned about Carlotta Bonnecaze, New Orleans’ first female Mardi Gras parade costume designer, who worked from 1884-1892. Students created their own designs inspired by Bonnecaze’s style.
Students also learned about the contemporary constume designer from Trinidad and Tobago, Peter Minshall, who has designed costumes for countless Carnival parades as well as for three Olympics Opening Ceremonies. They worked with large movements to create big costume designs inspired by Minshall’s work.
Visit YIA Gallery with your class or youth group. Free tours are available by appointment only, so contact us!