ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- The Monday Public Art and Creative Writing class of the After School Art Program (ASAP) at the Orange Beach Art Center (OBAC) presented Mardi Gras tableaus before a standing room only crowd of family and friends on Saturday afternoon, February 11, 2012.

The class studied the history and traditions of Mardi Gras. They created two krewes, The Unicorn Kings of Malterra and The Artful Animals, and wrote their own tableaus. The students decorated their costumes and masks to match the characters they portrayed in their tableaus.

The program was followed by a reception for the participants, family and friends.

The class was led by Belinda Butler, OBAC Children's Education Administrator, assisted by Katie Avant, OBAC Artist Relations Administrator, and volunteer, Barbara Curtis. ASAP is funded in part by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Friends of the Arts. For information regarding the After School Art Program call 251-981-2787.