Meet Danice Faulkner Edwards and her Mardi Gras Tree

Danice, or “Dani,” is the LEH’s Office and Building Manager, and she is a creative force and constant inspiration. A lifelong reader, Dani often celebrates holidays in the office with imaginative book displays. Shown here, in the LEH foyer, with her Mardi Gras tree, Dani said, “The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ mission is to provide all Louisianans with access to, and an appreciation of, their own rich, shared and diverse historical, literary and cultural heritage, through family literacy and adult reading initiatives – thus the creative idea of the Christmas Book Tree was born.”

Utilizing books from the RELIC (Readings in Literature and Culture) adult literacy programs, Dani created the “tree.” After the Christmas season passed, carnival season ensued, and Dani redecorated the tree for Mardi Gras.

“It was a joy to see staff, tenants and visitors to Turners’ Hall marvel at the sight of our unique tree. Besides, the only scent better than a fresh evergreen tree is the scent of books (with the added bonus of not needing to vacuum up pine needles),” Dani said.