​​​

A New Orleans Original Since 1978

The story of Fancy Faces Decor and Lighting didn't begin with floor plans and floodlights—it began with clay, color, and a vision for the "Spirit of Carnival."

In 1978, our founder Pat O’Donnell, a beautician with a natural eye for aesthetics, saw a need for high-quality, authentic New Orleans art. She began sculpting unique ceramic faces in her home studio, which were first sold in the iconic Kings & Clowns gift shop in the French Quarter. The response was an instant "sell-out," with passersby crowding shop windows just to catch a glimpse of the latest designs.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Second Generation: From Art to Industry

While Pat provided the artistic soul of the company, the next generation—Steve Hamel Jr. and Kathleen O’Donnell—provided the vision for what Fancy Faces could become. Joining the family business in 1983, Steve and Kathleen were instrumental in scaling Pat’s hand-painted masterpieces into a national brand.

As they learned the business from the ground up, they recognized a shift in the market. Clients weren't just looking for a mask to hang on a wall; they wanted that same level of "wow-factor" for their entire event. Steve and Kathleen led the strategic repositioning of the company, transitioning from a high-volume ceramic manufacturer (producing over 50,000 hand-painted faces a year) into the full-scale event design and rental powerhouse we are today.

By applying the same craftsmanship used in a 6-inch mask to grand-scale lighting and decor, they turned a boutique art studio into a premier partner for the convention and wedding industries.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

Fancy Faces Today: Design, Decor, & Lighting

Today, we have traded the kiln for high-end LEDs and custom fabrications, but our "maker" DNA remains the same. Based in Covington, we are now a leader in event design, specializing in:

• Corporate Excellence: Creating immersive environments for galas and national conventions.

• Social & Luxury Weddings: Turning "big days" into landmark memories through high-end lighting and bespoke decor.

• Custom Fabrication: Because of our roots in hand-craftsmanship, we don’t just offer what’s in a catalog—we create what’s in your imagination.

​​

We are proud of our 45+ year history. When you work with Fancy Faces, you aren't just hiring a vendor; you are partnering with a team of artists who have been "making faces" and creating magic for nearly half a century.