Sippin' Through the Needle

Sign up now for a first time ever class series entitled Sippin’ Through the Needle to be a part of a new carnival tradition with a twist. Take part in bi-weekly workshops held at the West Baton Rouge Museum during the months of April – December, 2026 hosted by project director, Kendall Milo and artistic director, Kiwi Richard. Participants in the program will become creatively immersed in the cultural tradition of costuming, beading, and preparing for carnival season through the integrated-arts mind sport, Carnival Chess®, an enchanted game created by Kendall Milo. The culminating result will be the making of a new Mardi Gras krewe and costumed participants who will have the opportunity to showcase their hand-beaded Mardi Gras garments.

Sipping Through the Needle is a gathering of individuals age 21 and up interested in visual and performing arts and Mardi Gras! Participants will create unique carnival garments while building lasting friendships. They will design and construct costumes by sewing, beading, and integrating mind sport elements reflecting pieces from the game of Carnival Chess® into their creations. Each gathering will include refreshments, costume construction time, and an educational component including formation practice and routines for parading and gaming based on the traditional Chess game played by costumed participants who become performance pieces in a game of Carnival Chess®.

Join the krewe! Sippin’ Through the Needle participation requires a $150 registration fee and a commitment to the nine-month program which includes an additional $75 per month fee that covers the cost of instruction, garment making materials, the culminating showcase performance, and an opportunity to march in parades the following year. Advanced paid registration and the first month’s class made payable to Milo’s Mixology Company LLC. may be paid by cash, credit card, or check. Thanks to in-kind support, classes will be held at the West Baton Rouge Museum.