Warren Easton Student-Designed 2004 “Muses” Cup Throw
The design of Warren Easton High School student, 17-year-old Kevin Thomas will appear on the Krewe of Muses cup throw.
According to Krewe of Muses Captain Staci Rosenberg, the Krewe of Muses vision is to tap into and recognize the local artistic and cultural resources of the community and incorporate them into a Muses Mardi Gras tradition, making the entire community a part of the Krewe of Muses parade.
Rosenberg says, “The student cup art and the honorary muse projects are signature Muses activities that are popular with the community and everyone looks forward to participating.”
Rosenberg went on to say, “Art students anticipate the annual cup design competition and many groups and individuals have contacted us to offer nominations for the honorary muse recognition of an outstanding and inspirational woman who has made a difference in our community. Our projects are fun and educational. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the rich history of Mardi Gras.”
The cup throw design depicts “Thalia” the Muse of Comedy dancing in the clouds with a comedic mask and a shepherd’s crook. The “Muses Cup Throw” student art project is an annual activity planned by the Krewe of Muses Community and Arts Committee.
The cup throw design was selected from middle and high school art student entries. Warren Easton High School’s art education program was awarded a $500 prize. Thomas and his family will be honored guests at the Gallier Hall reviewing stands on parade night.
To prepare students for the design competition representatives of the Muses Community Arts Committee distributed educational materials about the muses of Greek Mythology to the participating schools.
In addition to the top entry, an honorable mention design drawn by Robert Bonney, Jr. of Rabouin High School was recognized. The Krewe awarded a $100 prize to the Rabouin art education program. In addition to Warren Easton and Rabouin, the design entries were drawn from students attending Edna Karr High School, Joseph Clark High School, the East New Orleans Educational and Support Center and SJ Green Middle School. Orleans Parish middle and high schools were issued written invitations to participate. All entries will be shown at the Contemporary Arts Center through the Mardi Gras Season.
The Cup-Art and Honorary Muse projects are among several community-focused activities initiated by the Krewe of Muses throughout the year and during the Mardi Gras season. The four-year-old Muses organization has over 900 members and is the only all female organization that parades at night. The 25-float parade will take the traditional St. Charles Avenue route on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2004.