Stephán Wanger has started, to create the largest mosaic ever made out of Mardi Gras beads. The size of the work is 8 feet tall by 30 feet wide and will contain over a million recycled Mardi Gras beads. The “Skyline” will be unveiled at the JW Marriott New Orleans, on April 27, 2011.
About 97 % of all beads that Stephán is using, are recycled. He continues to create huge mosaics that will help promote his adopted hometown New Orleans. The next art work will showcase a view from the West Bank towards downtown New Orleans, complete with the Natchez steamboat, a cruise ship (The Carnival Triumph), tall ships (The Amerigo Vespucci and the Gorch Fock), and pelican. In other words, a busy river scene with the beautiful skyline of New Orleans in the background.
"I have always wanted to create a skyline mosaic to complement my existing pieces and I believe this project will be the perfect attempt for competing for a Guinness World Record," says Stephán Wanger from his gallery located at 1914 Magazine St., in New Orleans. The community can help by signing this art work as Stephán will bead out every person’s signature on this gigantic postcard to the world.
Since Mardi Gras Season 2011 is almost upon us, the attempt at the Guinness World Record will be timely. Stephán plans to unveil the work in May 2011. He knows what it takes as he has already completed several massive mosaic murals that are on display at his gallery.
Karen Benrud from Cafe Du Monde who helps Stephán cutting beads says, "Stephán's goals are very simple, he is trying to get the beads off the streets, recycle them into amazing artworks, and teach children the skill in order to leave a legacy - while promoting New Orleans at the same time."
The record breaking mosaic will be part of the "A Million Greetings from New Orleans” exhibit that Stephán has been working on since 2006. The exhibit will eventually tour Europe in 2012 to further promote New Orleans and increase tourism to the city. By signing this gigantic postcard Stephán hopes to create awareness for recycling Mardi Gras beads. For more information visit galeriaalegria.com or if you like to volunteer or drop off beads contact Stephán at (504) 400-4603
The world record attempt is sponsored by FuzziBunz, Diapers LLC, St. Michael Special School and Café Du Monde.
Collected Mardi Gras Beads can be dropped off at Galeria Alegria at 1914 Magazine Street of at St. Michael Special School at 1522 Chippewa Street.
