Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 Unveils Art Installation Honoring the Beads for Needs Program and Historic Mardi Gras Arches
Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 is excited to announce a captivating new art installation that bridges the past and present of this iconic celebration. This year, members of the Krewe of Misfits teamed up with the Beads for Needs Program at Ball High School to recreate one of the historic Mardi Gras Fantasy Arches, originally commissioned by the Mitchell family in the late 1980s. This remarkable collaboration is set to add a unique touch of nostalgia and creativity to the festival.
The centerpiece of this project is the recreation of the Cesar Pelli Arch, a modern masterpiece that once stood at 21st and Mechanic in downtown Galveston. The original arch, a striking structure measuring 48 feet wide and 35 feet tall, introduced a contemporary flair to the area during its time.
While all but one of the Fantasy Arches have been lost to history, the new version will revive this beloved element on a smaller scale, measuring 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall.
This reimagined arch is being constructed by a dedicated team of Krewe of Misfits members and students from the Beads for Needs Program. In keeping with Mardi Gras’ spirit of sustainability and creativity, the structure will be covered in broken Mardi Gras beads that could not otherwise be resold.
The design, built-in six detachable pieces, will feature a monochromatic base coat painted by students during a special workday at Ball High School. Following this, additional workdays at The Proletariat will focus on affixing the beads with hot glue and reinforcing them with clear caulking.
"This project exemplifies the spirit of Mardi Gras and the sense of community it fosters," said Becky Major, Creative Director for Misfits Productions. "By involving students and local artists, we’re celebrating both the festival’s rich history and the creativity of our present-day community."
The Cesar Pelli Arch will be completed in time for Mardi Gras! Galveston 2025 and displayed at the Tremont House during the event dates. Afterward, it will find a permanent home in the community, serving as a lasting testament to the collaboration and artistry that define Mardi Gras.
The Beads for Needs Program, which involves Ball High School students in recycling Mardi Gras beads to fundraise for local initiatives, has been a cornerstone of Mardi Gras! Galveston’s philanthropic efforts. This new project further highlights the intersection of art, history, and community support that makes the festival so special.