University of South Alabama Graduates Bring Artistry to Mobile Carnival

By Thomas Becnel
University of South Alabama

The Mardi Gras traditions of Mobile include a talented group of University of South Alabama artists who build, shape and paint the fanciful floats that roll through downtown parades.

The story begins with Steve Mussell, class of 1981, who’s been building parade floats for more than 40 years. He grew up in Mobile, which has the oldest Carnival tradition in America. He enjoys the artistry of papier-mâché construction that blends glue, paper and cardboard.

“In Louisiana, they use canvas, which is more durable,” he says. “What we do is more fragile, but our stuff is more sculptural.”

Please CLICK HERE to read the complete article on the Alabama NewsCenter website.

Category: ALL POSTS, Partner News Stories