Young makers ages 8 and up join New Orleans fashion designer, costume designer, and modiste Renée Johnson for a six-session workshop series rooted in the history and traditions of New Orleans Black Masking Indians. Each student designs and builds their own one-of-a-kind Black Masking Indian-inspired doll by hand, from start to finish. No sewing experience is required, just curiosity and imagination.
Sessions
Session 1, November 7: Welcome, cultural history, and traditions
Session 2, November 21: Doll design, storytelling, and planning
Session 3, December 5: Beginning hand-sewing and canvas fabric
Session 4, December 19: Beading, sequins, and embellishment
Session 5, January 2: Textile art, mixed media, and finishing details
Session 6, January 16: Complete dolls and prepare for exhibition
All sessions meet Saturdays, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Road. The workshop is limited to 12 participants.
Registration and payment
The full workshop is $190: a one-time, non-refundable $40 Registration and Supplies Fee plus a $150 Series Fee for all six sessions. Supplies include canvas fabric, beads, sequins, feathers, markers and paint markers, and needles and waxed thread.
Step 1: Register here for $40 to hold your student's seat.
Step 2: Pay the $150 Series Fee, either at the same checkout or any time before Friday, November 6, 2026: pay the Series Fee here.
Students must be paid in full to begin class on November 7.
Save the date
The series closes with a free Culminating Community Exhibition on Saturday, January 30, 2027, time to be announced, where students will showcase their finished dolls. Families and friends are welcome. Please hold the date when you register.
Questions? Email Renée Johnson at afrimodiste@gmail.com.