Mardi Gras-inspired workshop brings out your inner Muse

Newcomb Art Museum is hosting a carnival-theme workshop to help everyone tap into their creative side and get jazzed up for the upcoming Mardi Gras season.

Assistant Provost for Finance and Operations Alysia Loshbaugh, a riding member of the Krewe of Muses, will lead a two-part class showing participants how to create Muses’ signature throw, the shoe.

“It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself an artist or not,” said Loshbaugh. “Everyone can be creative with decorating the shoes.”

“It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself an artist or not.”

Alysia Loshbaugh

The first evening of the workshop is Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m., in Woodward Way. Participants will lay the groundwork for the themes of their shoes, choosing a color scheme and adding glitter and texture. The second night is Feb. 1, when participants will focus on decorating the shoes extravagantly with feathers, tassels, sequins and more, adding that extra flair the throws are known for.

Newcomb Art Museum will provide king cake and Mardi Gras mocktails.

Attendees are also encouraged to view the museum’s latest exhibitions, “Clay in Place” and “Clay in Transit,” before the workshop to help fuel creative inspiration.

“This is the second year we’ve done it,” said Loshbaugh, “and it’s fun to see how people get really into it; some even bring their own supplies to make their shoes really unique.”

The workshop costs $20 for museum members and $40 for non-members. The fee covers all supplies and refreshments.

To register, email museum@tulane.edu.