Gumbo Botanica

Location: 1101 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA

This large-scale public art project transformed a 117-foot-long exterior wall into a vibrant mural reflecting the diverse cultural identity of the St. Claude neighborhood. The artwork celebrated global food cultures, particularly highlighting Vietnamese culinary traditions, through imagery of international cooking herbs and dynamic portraits of three local women chefs. The design also incorporated inspiration from the Krewe of Mung Beans’ lion dancers.

Executed using durable polytab mural cloth and protected with anti-graffiti varnish, the project aimed to beautify the space, prevent future blight, and create a lasting community landmark. The mural was a collaboration between professional artists and youth from the Young Artist Movement, promoting intergenerational creativity and neighborhood pride.