Mike Dingler
The perfect human jungle-gym, Mike Dingler bears the priceless expression of a proud father as his two flaxen-haired daughters giggle and climb all over him. Mike, his family and I are enjoying a breezy Saturday evening together in XO Studios, a Marigny gallery where Mike’s colorful art-work is on display. A riverboat captain and New Orleans native, Mike openly recounts his life story after the storm – his deep depression, the disillusion of his family and the little bit of wood, paint and hope that ultimately saved him. Instead of standing by while his city and its people became more devastated and depressed, Mike founded NoLA Rising, a post-Katrina community arts initiative that has changed and beautified the cityscape of New Orleans. Mike explains that NoLA Rising began with a very simple mission to encourage artists and residents to paint and publicly display hopeful messages such as “Smile” or “Dance” on pieces of removable wood. Beginning in the Lower 9th Ward where Mike worked as a shipping captain, the movement soon swept across the city and garnered extraordinary support from locals of varying socio-economic backgrounds. For many, Mike has become the city’s egalitarian patron of the arts. 
Though Mike has been criticized and taken to court for his street art, the concept of “removable public art” is central to NoLA Rising’s philosophy. His work is either painted on portable pieces of wood or printed on stickers made of latex that are easily removable. NoLA Rising also created new hand-painted street signs to replace those that were destroyed or disappeared during the storm. Ultimately, Mike points out, everyone has a voice in the movement because it is public. If you like what you see and want the piece in your living room, take it. If you want others to see it, leave it up for passersby to enjoy. And if you hate the work and feel that it is offensive, take it down. Though Mike adheres to this philosophy, he was admittedly dismayed as he noticed that much of the work he posted around the city had disappeared. However, as stories began circulating, he realized that most of his pieces ended up in the homes of his fans who wanted a little NoLA Rising sunshine in their living rooms.
Jeffry, the co-owner of L'art noir studios and St. Claude Art District
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories Mike has to share begins with a stranger who woke up one morning after Katrina with the intent to end his life. Through a random coincidence, one of Mike’s pieces of art was lying in the man’s yard that morning. The message of hope and act of kindness manifest in the painting marked a turning point in the man’s life. Three years later, NoLA Rising is still making a difference in people’s lives through communitarian events such as the NoLA Rising Paint Party. The success of NoLA Rising and the outstanding energy surrounding Mike highlight the role of the arts in building healthy societies, in lifting spirits and in honoring the struggles and resiliency of humanity. 
