BATON ROUGE -  Mid City Gras has revealed Rodneyna M. Hart as the grand marshall of its 2020 parade. 

The big reveal was held Monday night, during a brief ceremony at the Baton Rouge Gallery.

Hart was presented with a scepter and crown from Front Yard Bikes, the 2019 Mid City Gras Parade grand marshall.

As one of Baton Rouge's most beloved artists, Hart has been instrumental in the development of local art and cultural advancements for over ten years.

After attending Baton Rouge Magnet High and then graduating from LSU in 2008, she worked as the exhibitions coordinator at Baton Rouge Gallery, preparator at the LSU Museum of Art, the exhibitions manager at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum and resident curator and art manager of the Healthcare Gallery.

Hart is led by a strong desire to break down barriers for artists and she's done so by reestablishing a not-for-profit organization called Culture Candy. She serves as its executive director, taking the lead in advocating for more inclusive and intersectional cultural spaces.

One of Culture Candy's most effective means of building bridges in the art community has been the creation of pop-up art events that are open to the public; each event features an educational component that provides resources to emerging artists.   

In January of 2019, Hart accepted the position of division director with the Louisiana State Museum, meaning she is responsible for overseeing the four regional museums.  

Hart will serve as grand marshal to the third annual Mid City Gras Parade, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.

Everyone who enjoys what Baton Rouge's mid city has to offer is invited to the parade, which begins at North Boulevard, near the overpass, and continues on down to Baton Rouge Community College. 

Before the parade, the second annual Mid City Gras Ball will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Feb. 1 at the Capital City Event Center, 6955 Florida Blvd. 

The theme for the 2020 parade and ball is 2020 Leagues Under the Sea.

Click here for ticket information.