We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katrina Brees. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katrina below.

Katrina , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful piece of art I’ve ever created isn’t a parade or a sculpture — it’s a piece of legislation called Donna’s Law, named after my mom.

For decades, I’ve been known as a very political artist — someone who creates bold, often polarizing work that breaks traditions and smashes barriers. I’ve always used art to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power. But when my mom died by gun suicide, people expected me to make art about it — some visual piece to process the grief. Instead, I realized that the most powerful and meaningful thing I could do wasn’t to make art, but to use all my creative talents to create something that could save lives — a law that might have saved hers.

Donna’s Law is a voluntary “Do Not Sell” firearm purchase prohibition. It allows people like my mother, who lived with bipolar disorder, to voluntarily restrict their own ability to purchase a gun — a tool that could prevent impulsive acts of violence during a psychiatric crisis. Most states don’t have waiting periods, so people in moments of intense suicidal ideation — like my mom — can walk into a gun store and buy a firearm within minutes. Donna’s Law offers people a way to protect themselves when they’re well, knowing that there may be moments when they are not.

When I committed to creating Donna’s Law, I had no idea how much of my artistic practice would come into play. Like my work in parades and performances, I’ve had to build a team, recruit supporters, pitch an idea, and create a movement. As a visual artist, I leaned into my skills to create compelling branding, propaganda, and messaging to help make this invisible issue visible to lawmakers and the public.

One of the most surprisingly difficult — and honestly, humorous — parts has been costuming. After years of radical costuming in parades, walking the statehouse halls has brought new insecurities about how I present myself — my clothes, hair, body, and skin. I’ve had to figure out how to create a “costume” that makes me feel both comfortable and appropriate in these formal political spaces — something I never thought I’d have to consider as part of my activism.

I’ve also had to learn to write in a way I never imagined. I’ve now written articles and op-eds that have been read by millions, helping others understand the risks of gun suicide and offering a real solution to prevent it.

Ultimately, like all my other projects, Donna’s Law has been a way of turning grief and pain into action — and using creativity to address deep societal problems. It has passed in Utah, Washington, Virginia, and Delaware, and I’m still working to bring it to more states. Out of all my work, Donna’s Law is the thing I’m most proud of — it’s art that saves lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an artist, radical, visionary, choreographer, and activist based in New Orleans. I see my work as a way to bring creativity and activism together. That makes it sound intentional, but really it comes naturally. I cannot image my art missing an opportunity for social innovation. For me, art has always been about giving voice to an idea, raising awareness, breaking boundaries, and making space for authentic expression.
One of the projects that I’m most passionate about is the Bearded Oysters Dance Troupe, which I founded over 20 years ago. I’m the Mother Shucker. We’re a feminist parade troupe that uses performance art, humor, and creativity to challenge gender norms and encourage self-expression. The Oysters are a living symbol of Louisiana’s culture and coastal restoration, and we blend those environmental messages with our performances.
Another big project for me is Kolossos, my Bike Zoo of large-scale papier-mâché animals built on tricycles. There’s dozens of creatures that are not just fun and whimsical, but also aim to raise awareness about the beauty of animals and the environment, especially the fragile ecosystems in Louisiana.
I’m also the founder of Equalititty, which focuses on topless equality. Equalititty is a top down approach for the right for people of all genders to be topless in public spaces without facing oppression and discrimination. It’s a movement that challenges societal norms around bodies and freedoms, using activism, art, and direct action like filing bills to spark conversations about equality and body autonomy. We’ve done protests, and engaged lawmakers to break down those barriers.
Alongside that, my work also touches on mental health and suicide prevention. I’m the lead advocate for Donna’s Law, which aims to prevent impulsive gun violence by creating a voluntary “Do Not Sell” firearms registry for people in crisis. This work has been deeply important to me, since losing my mom in 2018 to an impulsive gun purchase and suicide. The law is named for her.
Recently, I’ve been focused on supporting kids and families dealing with grief. I wrote a book called Grief Relief for Kids: Lessons of Resilience from Our Animal Friends, and created a series of Grief Relief Card Decks to help people of all ages cope with loss and difficult emotions.
Everything I do — whether it’s leading a march, parading, creating giant puppets, or writing — is about using my first amendment like it’s my second amendment. My art is loaded.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I recently heard from a mom who purchased my Grief Relief book for kids. Her and her daughter had to take an airplane ride to go collect their lost loved one. The daughter enjoyed her book the whole flight. Distracted, inspired and gaining resilience each page. Her mom looking over her shoulder also absorbing the creative messaging and support. Being there for people through my art on their biggest days is the most rewarding. Sometimes the best day. Sometimes the worst day. But it’s an honor that they bring my art along.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, to use art and joy to bring people into consciousness and comfort discussing difficult issues of injustice. Then backing those conversations up with mobilization and enshrining justice into law.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.KatrinaBrees.com
• Instagram: @katrinabrees
• Facebook: KatrinaBrees
• Linkedin: Katrina-brees
• Other: www.BeardedOysters.org
  www.Kolossos.org
  www.Equalititty.us
  www.DonnasLaw.com

Image Credits

Katrina Brees