NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — No matter the band or football team you cheered for, school pride is a big thing for many high schools in New Orleans.
Understanding how high school memories stay with people forever, visual artist Jacq Francois launched his line of mugs, wanting alums to have a piece of their school pride.
“Whose high school life really you know made them who they are, their generational legacy is tied to their school. To me, high schools in New Orleans are just as important because there is so much legacy tied to your community from what high school you went to,” said Francois.
Each mug is painted with the school’s name, the building and the city’s area. Francois explains how history plays a major role in the creation of the mugs.
“I thought a lot about heritage in New Orleans and how a lot of our identity was tied to our relation to what high school we went to. People’s legacy was no longer there due to Katrina and other cultures differences,” said Francois.
Selling more than 150 mugs within the first two days, he says it’s an unreal feeling watching alums flood his emails.
“People have been inquiring about how to produce more mugs for certain events for the school. Everyone feels a part of it, regardless of race, regardless of community. Everyone can relate to a school they went to and want to take a piece with them,” said Francois.
He said he is grateful his mugs could fill people with joy, showing where they went to high school.
“It’s really meant to be an heirloom, an art piece and I do motivate everyone to look at it as such and take pride in your school. In New Orleans, a school really makes up our identity,” said Francois.
To purchase a mug, visit Francois’ website.
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