G U
eoff Pool and Heidi Hill work on their Mardi Gras pr oject in David Geise's art class. (Jo hnso n)
nder the title of "Futuristic Exotica," this paper queen marches with her royal escort through the soggy downtown streets. (Griffin)
J
ardi Gras over? Key member resignations leave doubt for event's future
T
his year's city-wide black and white festival, Mardi Gras, went through major changes making the theme "Hell Has Frozen Over." a sort of double-entente. First the parade. besides being about as soggy as every other event seemed to be last year. had a new look to it, as David Geise's art students were charged with the task of giving the floats a different look. This year students hauled their own individual floats.
with each student in a group trying to fit in with the theme that group had chosen. The effect of this was not disappointing. as floats were more creative, less massive. and more detailed. Called "body extensions" these concepts were almost "acted out" by the group members and were theatrical compared to the static pieces that rolled by in last year's parade. Other changes that had to do with the celebration took place later in the year.
Giese. Charlotte Buchanan. Kerry Beeson and two others of the 13-member Moscow Mardi Gras Inc. Board resigned. All resigning members had other interests to pursue. and were considered key players in the event. These resignations and the declining attendance at the February parade. the Beaux Arts Ball and the Black Tie Ball have raised some questions about the event's future. As a result the Prichard
Art Gallery. which has bene-
fited from the event in past years. might not receive further donations. Fortunately, the event will be held next year. as five new board members have been appointed. and the ball is still rolling, according to member Joanna Hays. director of the Prtchard. "We feel we have commitment from the community for next year," she said. The actual form of the parade and dances are. however. still in question. Mardi Gras
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