About this project

Like most people, I have a dream to ride a unicorn through New York City and transform the world forever.  The difference between those dreamers and myself is that I already own one.  Karina, my 2 year old papier mache tricycle powered unicorn is the talk of New Orleans.  Young Karina is a star.  Her, and her 7 siblings representing various other beasts of the land and sea keep busy down in the Big Easy parading with everyone from the the royalty of Carnival and the Mardi Gras Indians to the underground bohemia and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs.

As a little girl, I came to NYC and my Omi and Opi showed me a unicorn.  Lancelot, was a glamorous uni-horned goat flanked by showgirls and presented by Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey.  I was not a unicorn fan before this moment.  However, the pomp and circumstance of his arrival: bright lights, music, rhinestones, aerialists, and enormous applause for Lancelot infected me.  My sweet grandparents purchased a program for me and immortalized inside was Lancelot in poster size.  I put the poster of Lancelot above my bed when I returned home as proof that I had gone to NYC and seen a real unicorn.  My dream now, is to return to NYC riding a unicorn.

Like a rainbow beaming on NYC, I will deliver this unicorn love. My love. New Orleans' love. Transported for easy absorption as public art.  In elaborate parading attire, I will ride this love through the streets and parks of NYC. As my unicorn transforms the viewers' existence, hypnotising  them into a dreamy and magical innocence snuggled up to an electrical shock of inspiration, creativity and general thankfulness to be alive on this great planet where anything is possible.  

The unicorn is constructed using traditional Carnival papier mache techniques.  Her body contains 12 layers of post consumer discarded paper.  Among the paper is an entire New Orleans yellow pages, countless local newspapers, various party invitations, and much more to infuse her with the spirit of New Orleans.  Her construction was a labor of love and took many hands about 300 hours to carefully lay each piece of ripped up paper forming her pink skin.  She was created above the Maple Leaf Bar music club which provided her with 7 nights a week of the sweetest sounds New Orleans has to offer.  George Porter Jr, Papa Grows Funk, Rebirth Brass Band, June Yamagichi, Johnny Vidocovich, Jon Cleary, The Radiators, Walter Wolfman Washington, various Neville-ness and many others filled her heart with the beat of New Orleans.  Her impressive and unique pedigree shines through to her audience spreading the love of New Orleans as she rides.

Over the course of 3 weeks this summer, I will ride my unicorn through the 5 boroughs of NYC.  Attempting to share as much New Orleans love that the weather and my calves can allow. 

Cuteness and fantasy aside, I believe that riding the unicorn through NYC is the best way for me to impact the world and make positive change.  The purpose of public art is to inspire and connect community.  Outdoor, public art enables all kinds of people to experience it.  Not just museum goers and art lovers. When people are exposed to art, they are more likely to make art themselves. 

The unicorn will also be an extremely attention getting symbol of New Orleans.  By exposing NYC to the uniqueness of our culture, I believe we will help protect the future of our culture and economy.  I hope to inspire tourism and general interest in the success of New Orleans.  This is my passion and I believe completely that it will make this impact.  New York City is a big place, with a lot of people and therefore it enables me to make a big impact. 

Funding needed to make this vision a reality for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers: $4000

Travel Expenses: Includes transporting myself, the unicorn, and the costumes roundtrip from NOLA to NYC and within NYC as needed. $1100

Tricycle Expenses: Includes maintenance, art supplies, tricycle, and parking. $900

Living Expenses: Includes subletting an apartment, utilities, and food. $2000

Your pledge means the world to me.  I am truly moved and inspired by your generous support.