Feathers of Hope Celebration at “Holiday in the Park”

Join Arts New Orleans’ Young Artist Movement (YAM) at NORD’s Holiday in the Park in Joe Brown Park for a culminating celebration of the Feathers of Hope Project, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

This event honors the Black Masking Indian tradition with:

• A fan-making workshop for kids led by Young Guardians of the Flame and Congo Kids
• “Drummercize,” an interactive light-up drum performance by Mestre Curtis Pierre, Director and Founder of Casa Samba
• A screening of “Behind the Beads,” a documentary by Courtney Egan and YAM students

Since the summer, YAM students have collaborated with Maroon Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Big Queen Washitaw Ausettua AmorAmenkum, and Queen of 8th Ward Black Seminoles Angel Chung Cutno to explore the rich tradition of Black Masking Indians. Together, they created beaded patches inspired by mythologies tied to each Queen. The Queens unveiled their illuminated suits at LUNA Fête, while a smaller group of students worked with digital artist Courtney Egan to produce “Behind the Beads,” a documentary showcasing the artistry and stories behind their creations.

More about Holiday in the Park:

The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission hosts its annual Holiday in the Park celebration at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park in New Orleans East, 5601 Read Boulevard. From December 2 through January 2, 2025, visitors of all ages are invited to experience this magical celebration of lights, music, and community. The event offers both a drive-through and walk-through experience, opening nightly at dusk and running until 9:30 p.m.

Now in its 5th year, Holiday in the Park transforms Joe W. Brown Park into a winter wonderland featuring dazzling lights, joyful music, delicious food, and an inviting community atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the park to enjoy festive decorations and drop off letters to Santa at the Joe W. Brown Gym.