We’re all familiar with Scrim, the scrappy Zeus’ Rescues pooch who went on a city-wide adventure for the better part of last year and the first part of this year. Scrim is a spirited dog who called the streets of New Orleans home for months, evading capture time and time again until eventually being wrangled by the Zeus’ team and placed in a forever home. Scrim’s story became national news and inspired a pair of children’s books.
Scrim is once again inspiring local art with ‘Windows on Canal,’ an art installation on display from May 10 through July 6. For nearly two months, iconic and historic Canal St. buildings will transform into an interactive art gallery. The installation, a joint effort of Where y’Art Works, the creative force behind JAMNOLA, and Celebrate Canal!, a citizen-led coalition of New Orleanians, is not just a visual spectacle but also an educational experience. Each ‘Windows on Canal’ installation will feature Scrim on one of his many adventures. The display will feature a scannable QR code that will not only feature Ivan Neville narrating Scrim’s adventure but will provide a deeper understanding of Canal St.’s historic buildings and the artists responsible for bringing Scrim’s adventure to life.
“Our inaugural installation, themed Canal Street Menagerie, is a playful and vibrant celebration of the unique spirit and rich history that lives within Canal Street’s legendary buildings,” says Celebrate Canal! Founder and CEO Sandra Herman. “We’re inviting everyone – all New Orleanians – near and far – to embark on a delightful journey of discovery.”
Featured art will be on display at Palace Café (art by Monique Lorden), Rubensteins (art by Courtney “Ceaux” Buckley), Sheraton Hotel New Orleans (art by Bryan Brown), Canal Place (art by Tyla Maiden), Ruby Slipper (art by Breanna Thompson), Saenger Theatre (art by Jacq Francois), and the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans (art by Where y’Art Works). Each “stop” will offer insight into the spirit of Scrim and the artists that help bring his story to life.
According to a press release, “Windows on Canal” will be available for public view through Essence Fest weekend and will host a series of public events, including a Children’s Scavenger Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. where families can stroll down Canal Street to try and find Scrim in the “Windows on Canal” art installations. Participating families will check in at Canal Place, where they will receive a goodie bag with their scavenger hunt supplies. Participation is free, and discounted parking is available. Visit celebratecanal.com/events to register.
