Made by Hand: The History and Artistry of Rex Floats

The art of Carnival embraces many disciplines and draws upon the long and rich history of this New Orleans celebration. Stephen Hales, historian and archivist for the Rex Organization, will describe their early parades and take us inside the Rex den for a look behind the scenes as the rolling tableaux of the Rex parade are constructed.
Caroline Thomas, float designer for Royal Studios, will explain the process of decorating the floats, from design all the way to the exquisite final products. Thomas will detail some of the traditional materials and techniques she uses that make New Orleans Mardi Gras a unique regional art form.
All images and video are from The Historic New Orleans Collection unless noted. Video production by The Historic New Orleans Collection. Additional photography provided by The School of Design and Link Odom Photography.
Our thanks to the Rex Organization and Royal Artists.
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM
The Historic New Orleans Collection presents
The 26th Williams Research Center Symposium
Virtual Presentations
Months before the scent of fresh king cake, the glow of flambeaux, and the driving beat of marching bands fill New Orleans, artists, makers, and culture bearers across the city are planning, designing, and building. Their inspiration, hard work, and collaboration result in awe-inspiring creations. Much more than just a celebration, Carnival and its rich, diverse, and complicated history invite the world to our streets.
This year’s Williams Research Center Symposium, presented in conjunction with the exhibition Making Mardi Gras, celebrates the makers who carry the history and traditions forward, who shape their evolution, and who, every year, bring us “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.”
This year's event is generously sponsored by Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World and Kern Studios.
Please visit www.hnoc.org/s... for the full schedule.

[@estelledeverges6432]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interesting & educational presentation! Thanks HNOC & all involved!

[@valmarsiglia]

Wow, this is kid-in-the-candy-store stuff for me. Happy Carnival, HNOC!

[@keith.wilson1981]

This was incredible! Thank you HNOC, Rex Organization, Dr. Hales, Arthur, Caroline and Royal Artists!! Wow! 💜💛💚

[@visit_hnoc]

Thanks for watching!

[@REPUBLICANSAREBEYONDSTUPID]

The Rex parade sucks

[@LordZontar]

Try growing a brain.

[@LordZontar]

Be thankful that you are spared the ravages of intelligence.