As an acknowledged authority on the history of Mardi Gras, Henri Schindler has become synonymous with the annual New Orleans celebration. Sought out by national and international media for his expert commentary, Schindler graciously shares his affection for the mystique and pageantry of the traditional old line krewes during numerous interviews in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. While some Mardi Gras traditions have evolved, others hold fast to the pomp and circumstance of royalty. Schindler is well versed in all facets of the tradition and revels in painting a purple, green, and gold picture for the spectator. Discovering his passion for the spectacle at age ten, Schindler began working with renowned New Orleans float designer Blaine Kern. A curious child, he followed empty floats back to a storage facility and met Kern. The rest is history, both in the retelling and in the making. A curator for the Louisiana State Museumís Presbytere Mardi Gras exhibit, Schindler also has made his mark as a celebrated float, costume, invitation, and jewelry designer for the Mystick Krewe of Comus, the Krewe of Rex, and Le Krewe DíEtat. He has contributed several articles to Arts Quarterly, published by the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, and Arthur Hardyís Mardi Gras Guide, not to mention his countless appearances in documentaries. His series, Mardi Gras Treasures, showcases four aspects of the celebration: Mardi Gras Treaures: Jewelry of the Golden Age, Mardi Gras Treasures: Invitations of the Golden Age, Mardi Gras Treasures: Float Designs of the Golden Age, and Mardi Gras Treasures: Costume Designs of the Golden Age . Pelican also offers this series in postcard-book and boxed notecard formats.
