Creative Aging Participant Featured on Good Morning America

Creative Aging class participants from the Louisiana State Museum gather prior to the Mardi Gras Celebration. Photo Credit: Sara Lowenburg

A creative aging participant from the Louisiana State Museum, a Seeding Vitality Arts in Museums grantee, was recently featured on Good Morning America. Mr. Raymond Lewis, 92, was invited to mask with the Yellow Pocahontas as Chief Council during the 2022 Mardi Gras celebration. Mr. Lewis participated in a creative aging course at the museum, learning beading techniques and traditions from Big Chief Darryl Montana and Big Queen Dianne Honore of the Yellow Pocahontas Black Masking Indians. Over the course of eight weeks, participants created their own art and worked together to bead butterflies, trim feathers and create a suit for Mr. Lewis after his invitation to mask with the tribe. Participants in the class banded together to hire a pedicab for Mr. Lewis and supported their classmate during the celebration.

Learn more about Mr. Lewis and his participation in the celebration here.