“Windows on Canal" brings whimsical art adventure to heart of New Orleans  

Written By Alicia Vial

Follow Scrim through Canal Street's artistic menagerie

NEW ORLEANS –  Get ready to see something new and exciting on Canal Street! Starting Saturday, May 10 and running through July 6, the famous thoroughfare will transform some of the most iconic and historic buildings into an enchanting outdoor art gallery with the debut of "Windows on Canal," a brand-new public art experience presented by Celebrate Canal!.

“Our inaugural installation, themed Canal Street Menagerie, is a playful and vibrant celebration of the unique spirit and rich history that lives within Canal Street's legendary buildings,” says Celebrate Canal! President and CEO, Sandra Herman. “We're inviting everyone – all New Orleanians – near and far – to embark on a delightful journey of discovery.”

In partnership with local art consultancy, Where y’Art Works, the creative force behind JAMNOLA, each "Windows on Canal" installation will feature the charming character Scrim, a lovable runaway dog with a true New Orleans tale. Follow Scrim on his whimsical adventures as he pops into hotels, beloved restaurants and unique businesses along Canal Street. At each stop, Scrim makes a new friend, each sharing stories that illuminate Canal Street's vibrant past and its defining role in shaping our city's bright future.

Art installations will be on display at Palace Café (art by Monique Lorden), Rubensteins (art by Courtney “Ceaux” Buckley), Sheraton Hotel New Orleans (art by Bryan Brown), Canal Place (art by Tyla Maiden), Ruby Slipper (art by Breanna Thompson), Saenger Theatre (art by Jacq Francois) and the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans (art by Where y’Art Works).

At each installation, viewers can scan a QR code to unlock an interactive online experience. Dive deeper into the history of the buildings, get a peek into the artists' creative process and follow Scrim's narrated journey – brought to life by the unmistakable voice of our very own Ivan Neville.

"This is a comeback story about Scrim, who captivated a community as he evaded capture, picking up a reputation for his independent and freewheeling spirit," says Cat Todd, cofounder and creative director of Where y’Art Works, hinting at the heartwarming narrative woven throughout the project.

"For Where y’Art Works, partnering with Sandra and Celebrate Canal! to champion local art – the lifeblood of our culture – has been a true honor," says Collin Ferguson, Where y’Art Works cofounder and CEO. "We believe supporting our talented local artists directly enriches lives and has the power to deeply transforms communities, like Canal Street."

“Windows on Canal” will be available for public view through Essence Fest weekend and will host a series of public events including a Children’s Scavenger Hunt Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. where families can stroll down Canal Street to try and find Scrim in the “Windows on Canal” art installations. Participating families will check-in at Canal Place where they will receive a goodie bag with their scavenger hunt supplies. Participation is free and discounted parking is available. Visit celebratecanal.com/events to register.  

Additional upcoming events include a Progressive Taste of Canal where participants enjoy a culinary journey down Canal Street on Wednesday, May 28, an Art & Architecture tour on Wednesday, June 4, and a fashion show in late-June.

Celebrate Canal! aims to breathe new life into Canal Street, envisioning it as a lively, diverse and pedestrian-friendly hub that honors our incredible cultural heritage, sparks economic growth and creates a welcoming environment for everyone who calls New Orleans home or comes to visit. “Windows on Canal” is one of the first major steps in bringing that vision to life.

"Windows on Canal" is made possible thanks to the generous support of the participating businesses, the New Orleans Entertainment Coalition, The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com, New Orleans & Co., Caeser’s Entertainment and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. For more information about "Windows on Canal" and upcoming events, visit celebratecanal.com.

###

 About Celebrate Canal!
Formed by the New Orleans Entertainment Coalition, Celebrate Canal! is a citizen-led coalition dedicated to the revitalization of Canal Street as a historic, cultural and economic cornerstone of life in New Orleans. The coalition brings together a cross section of citizens, business owners and city leaders to restore Canal Street to attract visitors and locals alike, boost the economy and create a vibrant and bustling atmosphere reflective of the world-famous city of New Orleans

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

Previous

Pontchartrain Conservancy to host sixth Storm Aware and Prepare presented by Entergy 
Next

Latest research finds Neptune Pass is building largest new delta in North America