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Art for New Orleans - Photographers Needed by Mary McGrath Art For New Orleans, a benefit for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, is still looking for artists like Mary McGrath to participate.  Read on to find out how you can help. Article rating: 7.91

Although the worst of Katrina is behind us, the efforts to revitalize the area are an ongoing project. One of the many humanitarian efforts involving artists is Art for New Orleans, the brainchild of Lara August, founder of Robot, a creative firm based in San Antonio.

Lara was in process of organizing an art show consisting of photography from the New Orleans area when Katrina hit. She was so appalled by the devastation to the area, that she quickly organized a coalition of artists who have generously agreed to donate usage of their work to promote this worthy cause.

Artists who are willing to participate in this project, should go to artforneworleans.com and enter the "Call for Artists" area on the right side of the home page. To date, about 30 artists are participating in this project, each donating usage of up to ten images apiece to raise money for this effort. All proceeds from the sale of the artwork, and the prints manufactured by shutterfly.com go directly to the Red Cross in helping the victims of this disaster.

Although the site is largely focused on photography from the New Orleans area, there is a sampling of other types of imagery for sale. Sizes range from 4x6 up to 20x30. All purchases are tax deductible.

I was particularly moved by this project, as I had visited New Orleans and Mississippi about 25 years ago, while visiting my father’s grave. At this time, Bourbon Street was in full swing with jazz and culinary delights on every corner. It was a photographer’s dream, taking photos of the nightlife, the musicians, and the underbelly of the area.

After hearing about Katrina, I wondered how the residents of New Orleans could withstand such devastation, and whether the area would ever be the same. 
I managed to find most of my negatives from this trip, and post a few of my images through Betterphoto.com, a photo-sharing web site. Perhaps it was a cathartic way to share my grief and disbelief of what was happening to the area. Within a day, Lara contacted me to see if I’d be interested in participating in this project. The rest is history.

Most of the following images are for sale through my gallery on the artforneworleans.com web site.

Café Du Monde:

This historic landmark showcases some of the best coffee and pastries, known as beignets in the area. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Jackson Square:

This icon is very prominent in the heart of the French Quarter. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Dancer Wanted:

The belly of Bourbon Street is especially evident in the early morning hours when all the party people have finally gone to bed © 2005 Mary McGrath

Praline Woman:

While traveling in Mississippi, this lovely woman appeared, selling her delicious pralines. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Strip Joint:

Unfortunately, these types of places are what give Bourbon Street its unique reputation. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Jazz Band:

This group obviously plays many days a week, as you can tell from the unique expressions in their faces.  © 2005 Mary McGrath

Astor Building:

I tried to make this photo appear as though it was from the 20's. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Royal Street:

This intersection is in the heart of the antique district of the French Quarter. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Porch:

There are eleven people in this photo. © 2005 Mary McGrath

Mary McGrath is a freelance writer and photographer whose work has appeared in many magazines, newspapers, books and on several web sites. Some of these include: Good Housekeeping, The National Lampoon, Petersen’s Photographic Magazine, Copley Newspapers and Mudborn Press. She can be reached at grathy@aol.com or by visiting her web site at www.marymcgrathphotography.com.

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enjoyed your pictures, I live in New Orleans and was in Quarter today taking my own pictures which I hope to put on a web page soon. Have may photos of Quarter characters, mardi gras etc. Posted by: jim Sep 3, 2006 @ 1:28 AM EST

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