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The Beginning

In 1980, New Orleans was a fascinating and wondrous conglomerate of secrets and art, stories and heroes, drama and heroines—all creating the mystery and magic that is New Orleans today.

Into this rich and vibrant community entered Will Powers—an artist whose affinity with clay inspired him to create a unique masque for New Orleans.

It was a masque that harked back to the pirot, yet captured the spirit of New Orleans with streaming color, exotic crown cuts, and full-bodied 24-karat gold lips and accents.

It became the masque of New Orleans and the face of Mardi Gras.

You will find Masque Powers beautiful work in shops throughout the French Quarter today.

Each piece is still hand cut and hand painted, often by Will and Kate Powers, ensuring that each masque is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, valued by collectors from around the world.

Best of all, you can now see and be part of the making of the masque.








Masque Powers—The Tour

At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday you can be part of the masque-making experience.

Starting with wet Mississippi mud (aka “slip”), you’ll follow the masque through all of its stages, trying your hand at cutting the greenware, cleaning the still fragile clay, and finally, painting a masque—your way.

Hailed by tourists as one of the highlights of a trip to New Orleans, it is important to book in advance (504-861-4400). Tours are limited to 20 people and include brunch and lunch at Oak Street’s best restaurants.

It’s easy to get here! Simply catch the St. Charles streetcar up Carrollton around the river’s bend, and get off at Oak Street. Walk past the famous Maple Leaf Bar and Jacques-Imo Café to Joliet Street and there you will find Café au Clay!