These graffiti artists came looking for America. They found New Orleans instead.

A batch of beautifully painted, graffiti-style murals popped up along St. Claude Avenue in Faubourg Marigny a few months back. They’re part of a New York couple’s epic attempt to produce large-scale aerosol artworks in all 50 states.  The pair, who go by the pseudonyms Menace and Resa, declined to share their real names. In the process of traveling “we want to meet all the cool people and see America from all different angles,” said Menace by phone on Tuesday. “All the parts of America are so distinct,” he added. So far, the partners agreed, no part has been quite as distinct as New Orleans. If you ever forget how wonderfully quirky our city can be, just talk to Menace and Resa. They fell in love with the place. Hard. New York graffiti artists Resa and Menace in New Orleans during Carnival 2024. (Photo by Resa and Menace) The adventuresome couple pulled their converted shuttle bus into a lot off Pauger Street in the new year, and stayed through Mardi Gras. A local friend named Jins showed them the ropes. Menace said they “kind of” got permission to apply their talents to a blank wall and a couple of wooden...