He moved to New Orleans after Katrina in order to help with the rebuilding efforts.  He made an artwork to help fundraise for the city’s recovery.  And now he’s reportedly getting death threats. 

Artist Brad Maltby has raised hackles, to say the least, with a snow globe that commemorates Hurricane Katrina, according to New Orleans’ Times-Picayune. 

“Liquid rises to the roof-line of the tiny shotgun house inside the glass globe,” reports the Times-Picayune. “ Shake the globe, and miniature debris and glitter swirls.  Wind it up, and a music box plays When the Saints Go Marching In.” 

The funds are going to rebuild libraries and supply books for children, according to the artist. 

But the Internet is the home of Missing The Point, and a quick search of Facebook proves it.  Several people have posted the same text:

As the anniversary approaches for one of the most tragic events, affecting millions along the Gulf Coast, let us join together in capitalizing on this terrible event, with a limited editition (sic) Hurricane Katrina Snowglobe.  Yes, my friends, nothing says more about where we’ve ended up after 10 years that (sic) making a quick $45 ($15 for shipping) on the backs of hundreds of deaths, countless numbers of people who’s (sic) lives were uprooted, if not completely destroyed! 

Maltby tells the Times-Picayune that he’s been making the snow globes for six years now with little to no outrage.  But with the anniversary looming, apparently some intrepid online users came across the snow globe, and an epidemic of pearl-clutching ensued. 

Predictably, sales have soared. 

Maltby stands by the project with a Facebook post, stating, “We recognize the globes are controversial…With the recent spike in sales, we will continue to deliver orders anywhere, and continue as always, to support various charities in New Orleans!” 

The artist didn’t immediately respond to a request for an interview. 

You can get your own at the project’s website. 

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