one of the oldest Mardi Gras mask shops in the French Quarter, visitors are greeted by walls adorned with vibrant, handmade creations. Inside the shop, there is little space untouched by art.

I knew not the art of catching a throw listed by Vincent Spear in his 1969 pamphlet, Techniques of Mardi Gras Throw-Catching; or, How to Ruin a $50 Sport Coat to Catch a 10¢ Necklace. Or ...