casa de Charlotte Della Luna

Those who read this blog will, from time to time, see my posts concerning the NoLA Rising project, the brain-child of Michael Dingler. (Previous posts can be seen under “NoLA Rising” in my catagories.) Basically, NoLA Rising strives to spread the word of New Orleans’ rising from the devestation of Katrina in a positive way through street art, as described on his blog header:

NoLa Rising is a post-Katrina art campaign encouraging people in all faubourgs of Greater New Orleans to publicly display works of art, regardless of how simple or untutored it may seem to be, for the purpose of rebuilding and restoring the human spirit in our city. NOLA is a unique and beautiful city that has historically embraced the spirit of personal freedom that supports the growth of the artist, musician and writer … the goal of the NoLa Rising Project is to showcase that spirit.

Once I became aware of the NoLA Rising Project, I began communicating with Michael from time to time through his blog, his Flickr site and the NoLA Rising e-letter. I finally met him last December at the Freret Art Market where he was issued a summons by a Nola quality of life officer after being pointed out by the Grey Ghost. Here’s a link to The Blobster Flickr site dedicated to the Grey Ghost.

Swamp Woman also met him at the November Freret Market where they discussed the Grey Ghosts’ dubious beginnings and nefarious mission in life –
it’s a good read so go there for the explanation.

A few days after the Freret Market where he was issued the summons I received this email:

“As many of you may know by now, the Grey Ghost appeared at the Freret
Art Market last week to grace us with his presence. So honored was I,
that I received a summons to appear in court after he pointed me out to the quality
of life officer for the district we were in. The alleged
charge, violating section 134-131 which basically says that it is
illegal to post on telephone or electrical poles in the city of New
Orleans.

Today brings another email concerning Michael’s legal issues with donation information for anyone who would like to contribute to his defense fund:

As y’all know from the recent City Business article, I am facing some
possibly stringent fines and the like. My legal representation, Buddy
Spell has determined that because of the costs, it may be in my best
interest and in the interest of NoLA Rising that we set up a legal
defense fund. If you’d like to assist in these matters, it would be
greatly appreciated and you can do so by sending a check made out to
SPELL & SPELL with the name MICHAEL “REX” DINGLER in the memo section
to:

SPELL & SPELL
C/O Michael Dingler Defense Fund
924 Ellis Street
Franklinton, LA 70438

Additionally, he passes along information for the next paint party where everyone is welcome:

Also, we’re making the arrangements now for the next paint party
(perhaps one on northshore and one in the city) to come after Mardi
Gras and before the court case. As we get closer to the trial, we’ll
also try and have a couple of events tailored around that. If you
know of anyone who would like to donate acrylic paint or gift cards to
art stores for the purpose of the paint party, please pass this on to
them as my personal funds may not cover the paint expenses this time
around.

We are also exploring the option of donating some of the artwork to
people who are already established through current non-profits for
distribution to people who are returning home with little to nothing
and need something on their walls. As always we welcome all people,
not just artists, to come and try their hand at painting. It’s about
expressing your love for the the city…

Yada Yada, all the best,
Michael or REX or Syh

Michael is a good guy. NoLA Rising is a positive project.
Support local talent. Support Michael.

Join NoLA Rising. Stop the Grey Ghost.