NEW ORLEANS – The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is ready for Carnival celebrations, and recently unveiled a new art installation in the hotel’s arcade windows on Canal Street.
Designed by local artist Kit Wohl, in collaboration with artists Luis Colemenares and Leslie Stidd Massony, the display, “Throw Me Something, Mister,” is a lively depiction celebrating the playful and spirited nature of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
“Carnival is such an integral part of New Orleans culture and we always look for ways to embrace our local community,” said Jim Oliver, General Manager of the hotel. “We’ve worked with Kit on past installations and knew she would create something beautiful and meaningful that accurately portrays the animated and vibrant parades that pass our hotel’s doors during the celebrations.”
"We wanted it to reflect Mardi Gras,” Wohl said. “The windows were inspired by the season’s fantastical imaginations, giddy, silly and sublime. All at the same time."
The installation captures the essence of the city during Mardi Gras with gold arms outstretched, reaching for beads and waving to the marching bands, parade floats and baton twirlers that pass the front doors of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. The installation uses a traditional Mardi Gras color scheme of purple, green and gold and features other trinkets and masks that are a visual representation of Carnival. Wohl said much of her inspiration for the windows comes from the artistry of guests and residents alike who contribute to and celebrate Mardi Gras including the spectators scrambling for beads and prizes to the musicians and dancers aboard the parade floats.
