On a chance meeting in the mid-1980s, Will and Kate Powers’ first encounter was at a dinner party. It was another decade and many life changes later that they declared their love and were married. Kate left her home in Australia to become ‘Missus’ to the mask maker of New Orleans, whereupon she picked up a paint brush and got to work.Collectively, they have 8 children who at various stages have populated their busy studio, but sadly have never aspired to become a part of it.
Throughout the years, Will and Kate have survived copy cats, imports, and most recently Hurricane Katrina.
It was Katrina that cemented their love for New Orleans and brought forth a regenerated commitment to continue to make the mask for which New Orleans is famous.
Most recently, they have expanded their studio to become Café au Clay by Masque Powers, located Uptown on Oak Street at Joliet.
It’s their way of making sure that this art form—unique to New Orleans—remains part of N’awlins culture, and that everyone can have a hand in making masks and other ceramic icons from New Orleans.
