New Orleans Wooden Postcards

New Orleans is offbeat, unusual, vibrant, and alive—all part of the gumbo that has simmered for 300 years with Spanish, French, Caribbean, African, Cajun, and Southern ingredients. It is a colorful city, from its distinctive architecture and historic cemeteries to its music, performers, and visual artists. Each sunrise and sunset creates an unforgettable moment. Even the city’s discarded ephemera can become material for the creative collagist.

In this workshop, alongside facilitating artist Carol M. Lynch, participants will create an original 4"x6" wooden postcard suitable for mailing. After a brief introduction and demonstration, participants will use analog collage techniques to explore their relationship with New Orleans and evoke a sense of connection and reflection on their time in the city. Participants will have access to color copies of New Orleans imagery, magazines and books containing small pictures, symbols, and words, and Kolaj Institute’s collection of collage materials. Each completed postcard will be sealed with Mod Podge. Participants are also invited to bring personal photographs or paper memories, such as ticket stubs, small pieces of found paper, or images from places they have visited.

No previous experience with collage is needed. Wooden postcards, glue sticks, scissors, X-Acto knives, brushes, and all other materials are provided. Participants will leave with an original wooden postcard reflecting their own experience of New Orleans. Participants are invited to BYOB.

Note: This is an in-person event. It will neither be streamed nor recorded.

ABOUT CAROL M. LYNCH

In her sixties, Metairie, Louisiana-based artist Carol M. Lynch realizes that her life of crafting is art. She began creating collages on canvas in 2021. She is most known for her torn-paper collages of mosaic-like representational images. Since 1998, she has been heavily involved with the Mardi Gras culture of New Orleans, designing and creating costumes, headpieces, queens’ collars and trains, sequined appliques, graphic arts, centerpieces and shadow boxes to commemorate events. She served on the cast of the Louisiana Renaissance Festival for 15 years as the Garb Mistress, creating and designing garb and improvising the character of Lady Blarney. She wrote Opening Gate shows, created a tailor shoppe, and taught improvisation to the Cast. Currently she serves as a Board Member for the Joan of Arc Project. She teaches collage and Improv/Brain Games at the New Orleans People Program, a grant-based program for active seniors. She has been included in multiple exhibitions in New Orleans and has won numerous awards for her collages. She took part in the Collage Artist Residency Scotland: Folklore, Place, and Collage in September 2023 and Carnival as Folklore in January 2026. Learn more at the Kolaj Magazine Artist Directory and www.carolmlynchartist.com.