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Longue Vue House and Gardens and the Carnival Collective Present "Carnival Conservatory: A Mixed-Media Indoor Garden" Art Exhibition June 7-30

The air-conditioned garden comes to Longue Vue just in time to escape the summer heat

NEW ORLEANS - As temperatures rise in the Crescent City, Longue Vue House and Gardens and the Carnival Collective have partnered to bring an indoor garden to the Gate House, located on Longue Vue's eight-acre property at 7 Bamboo Rd.

The exhibit will be on display from June 7 through June 30, 2016 with an opening reception on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served while they last.

Featured artists including Dana Beuhler and Brian Bush will be present at the opening to answer questions on their work, and the mission of the Carnival Collective.

The exhibition will showcase a collection of the artists authentic Carnival-inspired pieces including elegant float-scale flowers and winged creatures that will hang from the walls and ceiling creating an intimate indoor garden. The mixed-media artwork is constructed in a tedious process of combining poster board, wire, and sculptural elements like foam or papier-mâché, and is a variety of sizes and colors.

"We're excited to invite the public to view our work at a place celebrated for having the most beautiful gardens in New Orleans," said artist Dana Beuhler. "We hope this exhibit will not only create a delightful experience, but inspire people to recognize the art of the talented artists who have worked within the Mardi Gras dens of New Orleans."

The group of artists have worked behind the scenes of Carnival for years as float decorators and parade designers.They banded together as the Carnival Collective in 2015 to make the hand-crafted works of art that adorn parade floats during Carnival season available year-round. Their mission is to bring support to their hard working community outside of Mardi Gras, and preserve the local art form by raising public awareness of the artists behind the work lovingly created for the city's unique celebration.

"Longue Vue strives to make beauty accessible to to the community through preservation of the home and gardens as well as support of the arts," said Longue Vue Executive Director Tony Chaveaux. "The Carnival Collective is a perfect fit for our space offering garden and art lovers an enchanting secret-garden like oasis this summer."

All works will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition. Prices range dependent upon size of the piece and artist, and will be available upon request. Guests who purchase art will be asked to pick up their pieces during the final week of the exhibit. Sales will benefit the Carnival Collective artists, and a percentage will go toward providing support to Longue Vue's educational and civic endeavors in the community. The Carnival Collective work is currently available for purchase exclusively at eclectic Magazine Street art boutique Miette.  

The "Carnival Conservatory: A Mixed-Media Indoor Garden" exhibition will be open daily during Longue Vue's hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. In addition, the community is invited to view the exhibit at the opening reception and during upcoming special events at Longue Vue including Family Equality Day on June 12. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook. 

About Carnival Collective

The Carnival Collective is a group of New Orleans-based artists who work for the independent float building companies behind Mardi Gras. They believe their beautiful, original pieces should be shared with everyone and banded together in late 2015 to create authentic Carnival art pieces for public collection. The artists not only work in Mardi Gras, but are known for their other magnificent works. The founding artists include Thomas Randolph Morrison, Dana Beuhler, Brian Bush and Caroline Thomas. Learn more about the Carnival Collective at carnivalartistry.com.

About Longue Vue House and Gardens

Founded by philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue is a multifaceted historic estate featuring a world-class house museum and eight acres of stunning gardens that include an interactive Discovery Garden for children. This National Historic Landmark serves as one of New Orleans' premier education and cultural resources. Longue Vue is open seven days a week to the public for tours of the home and gardens, special events and programs. Visit www.longuevue.com for more information.