November 2011.

“He’s just tickled as all get out,” notes the organizer of an upcoming Yard Art Tour about one of those who have signed up their “yards” to be on the tour. While we won’t rule out a lawn gnome or two, I think we can expect to see the unexpected on this particular tour that will be staged in conjunction with this year’s New Orleans Fringe Festival.

Especially when the aforementioned tickled participant is the noted New Orleans artist Michalopoulos.

“Dr. Bob is also on board,” continues our informant who prefers to be identified only by his nom d’artiste, “Swamp Deville.” Dr. Bob’s signature “Be Nice or Leave” paintings have their own huge following.  And as if a chance to see what he’s created as yard art wasn’t enough incentive—we’re told, “He has parking and a potty available.”

Also on the tour will be a semi-secret candlelit garden overflowing with mosaic urns, viewed through peep holes in a massive brick wall, and—allowing for some loose interpretation of the term “yard art” in this urban setting—a rooftop installation of five life size fiberglass sculptures of the artist dressed in a bunny suit. More than thirty other sites have already registered to be on the tour.

Need we say more to incite a road trip to New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods in mid-November? Well, there are the seventy performing groups that will be staging shows during the Fringe Festival as well, November 16–20. nofringe.org.

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