"Creole Wild West” Mardi Gras Indians Exhibition

Every year on Mardi Gras, the sparkling beads, jangling of tambourines, and chants of “Creole Wild West” announce to the world that the oldest Mardi Gras Indian tribe is still “masking” in New Orleans. Now Big Chief Howard Miller and his tribe bring their hand-beaded and feathered “suits” to Shreveport January through March 2017 as artists in residence with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Mardi Gras Indians are, above all, artists. Their elaborate beadwork and sewing, the intricate rhythms of their music, and the closely kept traditions of their heritage are woven into the fabric of a culture unique to New Orleans. The Creole Wild West plan to share the importance of celebrating the heritage and culture of a rare Louisiana tradition at UNSCENE!, the event series that brings national, regional and local artists to explore the Shreveport Common neighborhood. The January 28 UNCENE! will include a Mardi Gras Indian style parade in and around Shreveport Common, an artspace exhibition of 10 hand-beaded Indian suits with headdresses, crowns, blankets and embellishments; and a beading and sewing workshop taught to the community by Big Chief Miller.