The City of New Orleans, under the leadership of Mayor Latoya Cantrell has commissioned artist Ted Ellis to design the official Mardi Gras Proclamation for 2019. This signature proclamation will be presented to each Krewe King and Queen of Mardi Gras during the 300th year anniversary of New Orleans. Ellis is artist, cultural historian, and nationally appointed Commissioner to the federal commission of the 400 Years of African-American History.
through his “Mardi Barq’s” piece.
The artwork is on an eight-foot wood panel and depicts a colorful Mardi Gras celebration seen in communities across the Gulf Coast during the Carnival season, reflecting the culture and heritage of Barq’s Root Beer.
Osborne attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana.
He taught elementary school for five years before the life-changing events of Hurricane Katrina spurred him to pursue a new career path.
“Art is my passion and I enjoy capturing moments like Mardi Gras in action,” Osborne said. “Barq’s Root Beer Terrance Osborne brings ‘Mardi Barq’s’ was part of my childhood, so the beverage is connected with positive family memories and my community.” Leading up to Mardi Gras, Terrance will visit the Baton Rouge area to sign free posters of the original artwork for the public.