A historical marker recognizes an important local figure in the Gulf Coast arts culture.
- by Steve Barney 
The 2015 Nereids Court dressed in costumes designed by Carter Church, who will be honored with a historical plaque. Shoofly archive photo by Matt Molinary.
In awarding this prestigious official state historical marker, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History recognizes Carter Church Designs’ significance in local history as an important contributor to the arts, culture, and economic impact of the region.
Artists Carter Church (l) and Yancy Pogue.
Nelson Carter Church, best known for his elaborate Mardi Gras costumes, had his studio at this site in Bay St. Louis’s historic Depot District. In addition to creating costumes for Mardi Gras royal courts, Church and his husband, artist Yancy Pogue, played prominent roles in the Mardi Gras production industry from Mobile to New Orleans, and they actively supported the arts and culture of coastal Mississippi. Event speakers will include representatives from The Arts, Hancock County, Hancock County Tourism, the Krewe of Nereids, the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, and Betsy Pogue Christianson, as well as others who personally knew Carter and Yancy. 
Some of the flamboyantly fabulous Mardi Gras costumes designed by the late Carter Church. photo by Ellis Anderson
In addition, the ceremony will include addresses from two noted Mardi Gras historians, Arthur Hardy and Dr. David M. Mulnick. Arthur Hardy, who publishes the award-winning Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide, has become the eyes, ears, and voice of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Over the past four decades his Mardi Gras brand is the most prominent authority in the nation on Mardi Gras culture and history. Dr. David M. Mulnick is the Captain of New Orleans Knights of Sparta Mardi Gras Krewe and is an international authority on Mardi Gras. In addition to helping produce Mardi Gras balls, Mulnick lectures extensively and has been featured internationally in documentaries and films. 
Artist Steve Barney is making 100 commemorative plaques to be given to the first 100 registered guests at the event.
The dedication ceremony will also include a proclamation from Bay St. Louis Mayor Mike Favre, who said, “Carter and Yancy were instrumental in the growth of our vibrant local arts scene. The City of Bay St. Louis is proud to install this prestigious marker to commemorate their impact on our region.” The official Mississippi Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures (whether people or places) and to the importance of their preservation. Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important art and cultural resources and to honor the impact local artists make to our vibrant community. Enjoy this feature?
Enjoy the Shoofly Magazine? Reader donations help underwrite correspondents who write about and photograph our community.
Use the button below to join our Readers’ Circle! 
Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
March 2025
|
RSS Feed
Shoofly Magazine Partners
Our Shoofly Partners are local businesses and organizations who share our mission to enrich community life in Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead and Pass Christian. These are limited in number to maximize visibility. Email us now to become a Shoofly Partner!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|