Bead Art

There’s something about Carnival season that inspires creativity. Every year, professional and amateur artists alike take their bead haul and turn it into unique works of art to enjoy year round. While you can take your surplus beads to recycling centers all around the city or donate to area schools, why not consider getting crafty with it yourself? Over the years, we've seen beads transformed into everything from framed wall art to lampshades. Who knows? It may even turn into a side hustle for you. 

The works below were created by self-described "world-famous but undiscovered" local artist Marc Weitz, one of the producers of our live events. Each of his works took just a couple of days and he enjoyed the process tremendously.

Check out Marc’s works below.

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If you’re not the crafty type, here is a list of recycling centers that accept beads year round. Keep in mind that 25 million pounds of used Mardi Gras beads are thrown away annually. Do your part. Turn waste into art. Or donate your extra beads here.

• ArcGNO Uptown Community Center
  – 1771 Nashville Avenue
• The Green Project
  – 7243, 2831 Marais Street
• New Orleans Sanitation Department
  – 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue (second and fourth Saturday of each month 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Whole Foods
  – 5600 Magazine Street