New York’s DAZE was just in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for some of the hottest painting weather he’s experienced and he’s happy he went.  Painting alongside folks like Seth, Hunto, Pose2, and Sabotaje al Montaje (Matheus) from Tenerife, he tells BSA that was satisfied with the work and the experience despite the surprising heat.

A summer burner from Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

“I was told by members of The TATS crew that it was hot and humid but even still it was crazy!” he says. “The average day saw temperatures climb into the 90s with a very high humidity percentage and these temperatures were usually followed by a severe late afternoon thunderstorm . It felt as if I was climbing through the jungles of Cambodia.” We haven’t been to Cambodia but we’ve been inside a steam dumpling kitchen in Chinatown, and Baton Rouge in July sounds very similar – except it is outdoors.

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

DAZE was part of this year’s Museum of Public Arts summer youth program, the same one we told you about that OverUnder participated in a couple of weeks ago.  The museum and the program is the brainchild of Dr. Kevin Harris, who began bringing primarily graffiti artists to the city in 2012 to create murals.  Now, the selection is widening, says DAZE.

“He has brought together some of the most important names from both the Street Art and graffiti worlds,” he reports. “All have created large scale murals that are contributing to the cultural climate of Baton Rouge.”  In addition to the murals themselves, DAZE says the programs that work with local youth are crucial when assessing the success of the museum. These youth workshops, which were held at Family & Youth Service Center, consisted of each invited artist working in collaboration with local teens to realize murals in the surrounding area.”

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Despite the heat DAZE says he had a great time in the steamy south interacting with the youth and the other artists, and he thinks Dr. Harris has put Baton Rouge on the map as a “must see” experience. “This place has become a “go to” destination for incredible murals done by some of the most important practitioners in the game.”

So the New York 70s/80s graffiti writer-turned-fine artist created some murals that reflected the local history and culture while in Baton Rouge. Naturally he completed an old school burner just for balance. “I wanted to get as much accomplished as I could before the thunder and lightning came, and the climate made me understand the people better,” he says as he talks about what inspired him to create these new pieces.

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

“My main mural was actually of the neighborhood itself. On the far left I painted a portrait of recently deceased blues legend Tabby Thomas. This flowed into images of the street itself and the old, legendary Lincoln Theater. These images are floating on a bed of fast moving clouds.” Does he think these clouds were a reference to the passing thunderstorms? “Maybe. I didn’t think so at the time – but they probably were.”

A Summer Burner and shout out to Daze from Cope2 for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Daze for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Seth for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Hunto for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

Sabotage Al Montage for Kevin Harris’ Museum of Public Art. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. July 2014. (photo © Daze)

To learn more about the Kevin Harris’ Museum Of Public Art click HERE and HERE

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