Thanks to all the artists who’ve contributed to the project and site; a special shout-out goes to Paulette Lizano, who let us follow her creation from sketch to construction to final placement. 

We also have to thank Mike Atwater, volunteer and project director, who kept us posted on when cars were being placed so we could get their pictures as soon as we could and post them to the site. Thanks also to all the sponsors and to Paula Purvis, co-project leader and Amy Boyle, the YLC’s executive director and all the volunteers who made the project possible.

It’s been a lot of fun. Nola bought her own garden-size streetcar at the gala, and we were able to get as many artists as possible to sign our books. Until the next project…

The little cuties are about two feet long and a foot and a half tall. Here are three by artist John Lamouranne (whose full-sized cars can be viewed here, here, here and here).

Laissez le Bon Temps (et le Tram) Rouler!
Let the Good Times (and the Streetcar) Roll!
An Auction for Those that Desire
Those Streetcars Named Inspire

Please join us Saturday, May 16, 8-11 pm
Hilton Riverside Hotel
Entertainment by Kermit Ruffins
Tickets: $50 advance, $60 at door
Complimentary Absolut® Martini Bar!
Attire – Party Chic!

Buy your tickets online after March 23 at www.youngleadershipcouncil.org, or call (504) 585-1500 to get your tickets today!

The shuffle we’re talking about now is actual streetcar movement; we could have called it “musical cars” but, hey, here’s the shuffling as we know it so far:

Chris Kaiser’s “Proud to Call it Home” has moved from Canal and Basin to the downriver side of Jackson Square, near the east gate along the Pontalba building.

“Proud to Call it Home” at its new home.

Mackenzie Thorpe’s “Lest We Forget – Girls First Hearts” has moved from its spot in front of St. Louis Cathedral to the uptown side of Jackson Square.

“Lest We Forget – Girl’s First Hearts”

Will Smith Jr.’s “Greetings From the French Market Corporation” has moved from its old spot at Cafe du Monde down river to the French Market, at the foot of Gov. Nichols St.

“Greetings from the French Market Corporation” serenaded
by a little Sunday morning jazz.

The artist is RK Rowell. You can see the rest of his southern fried blues art at Vigoboom.com. Caroline Lamb is the streetcar’s proud new owner.

We’ve been following Paulette’s progress (here, here and here) from sketch to installation (which will be coming soon at Canal Place). You can read the piece here. Congratulations to her, all the streetcar artists and the folks at the YLC!

Note: The TP article states that funds raised through A Streetcar Named Inspire will go towards a streetcar museum. The Young Leadership Council states, however, that the beneficiary of the project is the Downtown Development District and its development of a space on Canal Street at Basin Street relative to the Broadway South initiative.

Will Smith’s (WMSJR) streetcar is located at the Prytania Theatre. It features Stella and Stanley from Streetcar Named Desire. He added sponsors John and Gayle Gish to it as well. Will was at Tales selling his Mardi Gras krewe giclees. He also had a new line of burlesque girl paintings on hand for sale. See more WMSJR art at WMSJR.com.

Also posted at MyBigEasyLife.com.

A sticker on the wrapper says the CD is outdated, and that for a limited time (until July 31 or until a certain number are downloaded), you can download the new version for free at www.citysoundtracks.com.  So go get yours for free while you can!