January 27, 2026 – The Decatur Area Arts Council will kick off a new Mardi Gras-themed exhibit with a First Friday Opening Reception on Friday, February 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Anne Lloyd Gallery at the Madden Arts Center, 125 North Water Street in downtown Decatur.
The reception will mark the opening of an exhibit exploring the history and culture of New Orleans and its Mardi Gras traditions. The event will include New Orleans-style food and beverages, along with live jazz music performed by the CT Trio. Representatives from the Children’s Museum of Illinois will also be on-site to share information about an upcoming Mardi Gras dinner fundraiser.
In addition to the exhibit, the Arts Council will offer Mardi Gras-themed classes, including a family workshop where participants can create miniature Mardi Gras parade floats.
The First Friday Opening Reception is free and open to the public. The event is supported by a grant from the Rotary Club of Decatur.
