On Saturday afternoon, a small parade appeared near the Caesar’s Superdome, accompanied by a booming brass band. The procession was part of the ceremonial unveiling of a newly finished mural titled “The Welcoming Committee” by New Orleans artist Annie Moran.
The colorful mural spans the four-lanes of Girod Street, stretching 125 feet long and rising 80 feet in the air. Designed to greet visitors as they approach the Dome and Smoothie King Center from the river side, it is one of several large murals that were created across the city during preparations for Super Bowl LIX, which took place in January.
“The Welcoming Committee” is a roundup of Louisiana culture, featuring realistic renderings of a voodoo priestess, a rider in the Rex parade, jazz musicians, a chef, a flambeau carrier, a Zulu costumer, a Cajun fiddler and other classic characters. Wildlife, including an egret, a pelican, alligators and a nutria, round out the scene. In the center of it all stands a female Mardi Gras Indian.
Queen Elenora “Rukiya” Brown of the Golden Eagles tribe, who modeled for the painting, was present at the unveiling of the mural. She led the small parade and anointed the air with sage smoke. Brown said it was “overwhelming” to be included in the big painting. “I didn’t know I was going to be right in the middle,” she said laughing…