PRESS RELEASE
Art Camp 504 Unveils Annual House Float Full of Magical Creatures and Fauna
The Bywater installation was made from recycled materials and is the only Mardi Gras house float in New Orleans created by kids
February 10, 2026 (NEW ORLEANS) - Art Camp 504, a non-profit organization offering year-round after school art programming to New Orleans area kids, is excited to announce that its students have put the finishing touches on their Mardi Gras house float. The installation is themed “Creature Academy” - welcoming passerbys into an enchanted forest full of giant glowing flowers, curious creatures and sparkles. Spanning the entire exterior awning at The Tigermen Den in the Bywater, the house float is the only one in New Orleans created by kids.
Click here to view images and video of the house float. Click here to learn more about Art Camp 504’s 2025-26 Creature Academy theme.
In support of a more sustainable Mardi Gras, the Art Camp 504 house float was built with recycled materials and repurposed art projects. For example, students used their creative skills to transform paper towel rolls into four legged friends, water bottles into mystical birds, and re-used lanterns into clouds.When visiting the corner of Royal Street & Clouet Street, admirers will also notice the following features:
Waterfall with portal to another dimension
Entrance to the Creature Academy
Over 100 custom designed portraits of the young artists
“Over 100 of Art Camp 504’s students ages 5 to 17 spent hundreds of hours painting, gluing, hammering and glittering this magical masterpiece,” said Sam Bass, founder and executive director of the non-profit. “Our hope is that this public art project gives our young artists a source of pride, while also serving as inspiration to our community as we revel in this season of creativity and imagination.”
At Art Camp 504, not only are the classes run by working local artists, but 30% of campers are able to attend thanks to scholarships, giving young creatives an enriching, rewarding experience that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to access. To support this year’s programming as well as view upcoming classes and workshops, visit artcamp504.org.
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About Art Camp 504
Founded in 2016, Art Camp 504 empowers New Orleans children to find their artistic voices through exploration and collaboration with peers and professional artists. Our experiential programs span filmmaking, visual arts, creative writing, fashion, comedy and more. Our curriculum is designed to build confidence, leadership and real-world creative skills beginning at infancy through age 17. Learn more about our classes, camps and community impact at artcamp504.org and on Facebook and Instagram.