The City of Slidell is proud to announce that Lilly Ross and Kaili Pittman are the inaugural members of the city’s Cultural Explorers Club. Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan recognized their achievements during the Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concert in Heritage Park on Sunday, April 22. They are the first among hundreds of children who have collected their free Culture Cards, to earn membership into the club.

The Cultural Explorers Club was introduced in the fall of 2011 to encourage children ages 4 to 18 to discover different facets of the arts: symphony music, dance, theater, visual arts and participation in any visual or performing arts experience. After completing all five components on their Culture Cards, the children are eligible to be inducted into the Cultural Explorers Club and receive a patch and certificate from Mayor Drennan.

Ross, age 6, and Pittman, age 5, each attended five qualifying cultural events to earn their patch. The sisters attended the New Orleans Museum of Art exhibit Andy Warhol: Celebrities in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, a performance of the “Nutcracker” during Christmas Under the Stars, A Far Cry symphony concert in Heritage Park, a performance of “The Lion King” at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre and a Creative Kids Night painting workshop at DuBuisson Gallery.

“We’re excited to welcome Lilly and Kaili, our first Cultural Explorers, to this elite club,” said Mayor Drennan. “I encourage other parents to get their children involved in the arts. We are fortunate to live in a culturally-rich city with many opportunities for families to explore the arts. This program was designed to encourage parents to take advantage of all of these opportunities and for children to have a great time experiencing events and exhibits.”

Participation in many of the required events is free through city-sponsored cultural events. Qualifying events include the annual Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, held every spring in Heritage Park, the Southern Youth Ballet and Ballet Espirit presentation of “The Nutcracker Suite” during the city’s Christmas Under the Stars holiday festival, and art exhibits such as the annual New Orleans Museum of Art exhibit in the Slidell Cultural Center.

Other qualifying components include, but are not limited to, music and dance lessons, attending community theater productions, participation in the city’s Salad Days juried exhibition of student art, Slidell Little Theatre’s YATs children’s summer program and art workshops offered by various art organizations and instructors.

Parents interested in enrolling their children can pick up a Culture Card at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second Street, or from the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs office, 250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304 in the Slidell Technology and Cultural Arts Center. Complete program details are available on the city’s website, where parents can download a flyer that includes a printable card. Participation in the program is free.

The Cultural Explorers Club is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs and its Commission on the Arts. This program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

The City of Slidell’s cultural events are supported by the city’s 2011 – 2012 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Brian Harris Autoplex; East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Friends of the Arts; Sophisticated Woman; Slidell Memorial Hospital; WWNO 89.9 FM; CLECO Power, LLC; Slidell Magazine; Creative Picture Framing & Art Gallery; Ronnie Kole Foundation; Chateau Bleu; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; The Slidell Independent; VanGeffen Wealth Strategies, Inc.; A Touch of Italy Café; Bargains Plus!/Postal Plus; Baskin Robbins/Coy & Donna Faucheux; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; State Rep. Greg Cromer; Senator A. G. Crowe; In Memory of John M. Dilkey; DuBuisson Gallery; Capt. Mark & Sandy Fulenwider; Grand IMAX Slidell, Inc.; Hampton Inn, Slidell; Homewood Suites, Slidell; Krewe of Bilge; Chris & Dr. Ed Massett; Northshore Harbor Center; State Rep. Kevin Pearson; Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore; St. Tammany Tourist & Convention Commission; Sunrise on Second Street; Textron Marine & Land Systems; Times Grill; Dr. Russ & Nancy Westfall; Tanya Witchen of RE/Max Real Estate Partners.

For more information, please call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the “City of Slidell” on Facebook and Twitter.

Download the Cultural Explorers Club flyer here

Mayor Drennan presents Kaili Pittman and Lilly Ross with their Cultural Explorers Club patches and certificates.

Cecelia Louise Minnick Drennan, age 64, of Slidell passed away on Monday morning after an inspiring and courageous battle with breast cancer.  Mrs. Drennan was the beloved wife of 43 years to Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan and dearly loved Mother of Frederick Douglas Drennan, II and Deric Adrian Drennan. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law Jennifer Hatten Drennan and Julie Dunaway Drennan and will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren Lauren, Trey, Sarah, Mia, and Jacob Drennan. She is survived by her mother Elsa Glydewell Lee of Picayune, Mississippi, her brother and sister-in-law Tommy and Wendy Lee, her brother and sister-in-law Ricky and Vicki Lee and her sister and brother-in-law Angela and Steve Heidman. She is also survived by her father-in-law L.D. Drennan of Picayune, Mississippi, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Charles E. Minnick and mother-in-law Idell Bounds Drennan.

Mrs. Drennan was a real estate agent for over 30 years and was a member of the St. Tammany Parish Million Dollar Club. She was a member and officer in the Slidell Republican Womens Club, Beta Sigma Phi-Xi Gamma Lamda chapter, the immediate past President of the Lioness Club, a Master Gardener, active member of The Rotary Club of Slidell – Inner Wheel, Picayune Civic Womens Club, room mother for numerous years at Clearwood Junior High School and a member of the Tanglewood Village Homeowners Association.  She was honored as the Queen of the Slidell Olde Towne Merchant’s Association Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mrs. Drennan was an officer in the Slidell Womens Civic Club and was chosen in 2011 to reign as Queen Samaritan LXII for a lifetime of Community Service from the Krewe of Slidellians.

Mayor Drennan and his family would like to thank the community for their prayers, kind words and support during this difficult time.

“We, the family, wish to thank the numerous and many health care professionals and employees of Slidell Memorial Hospital for their extraordinary efforts and personal care delivered to our beloved wife and mother. We would like to give special recognition to Dr. Peter Galvan and Dr. Augustine Suarez for your ability to touch the lives of so many including our mother’s. In lieu of flowers, we would like to request that donations be made to the Slidell Memorial Foundation for Cancer Services so that others may continue to receive and experience what our family came to know, respect, and cherish as a source of hope and strength over the past eight years.”

Funeral services have been arranged with Honaker’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West. Additional visitation will be held Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Slidell, 4141 Pontchartrain Drive. Burial service will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1751 Gause Blvd West.

A portion of Third Street – from Bouscaren St. to Erlanger St. – will be closed to through traffic beginning on Monday, April 23, for drainage repairs. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, construction is projected to be completed by Friday, May4, 2012.

“I know this will be an inconvenience to our citizens,” said Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan. “I would appreciate everyone’s cooperation in exercising caution while travelling on Third Street and recommend using an alternate route to avoid the construction area.”

For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, please visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us and follow the official “City of Slidell” pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Please note that the rain date will be implemented for this event, with all activities taking place on the same time frame, Sunday, April 22.

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra first charmed Slidell audiences with an outdoor concert in Slidell’s Heritage Park. The event was appropriately named Some Enchanted Evening, and since those first notes cascaded through park, audiences were, indeed, enchanted. Mayor Freddy Drennan and the City of Slidell invite everyone to join us for a very special tenth anniversary celebration, when Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra returns on Sunday, April 22, at 6 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free.

Set along scenic Bayou Bonfouca, Some Enchanted Evening is the perfect family event for both the young and young at heart. A celebration of family, friends and fellowship, this event encourages the community to come together to enjoy great food, artwork and timeless music from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Leading the orchestra this year is guest conductor David Torns. As Assistant Conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony and Music Director of the Louisiana Youth Orchestras, Torns conducts outreach, educational and pops performances. His musical training and diverse background bring youth, enthusiasm and warmth to his performances.

A native of San Diego, Torn’s musical studies began at the age of five on the violin. He completed his bachelor’s degree in violin performance at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and graduate studies in violin and orchestral conducting at West Virginia University. Prior to his appointment in Baton Rouge, Torns served as Assistant Conductor of the Symphony of the Mountains, and Music Director of the Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra in Kingsport, Tennessee. His guest conducting engagements have included the Vanderbilt University Symphony, West Virginia University Symphony, the North Carolina School for the Arts Musica Piccola Orchestra, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Torns will lead the orchestra in playing a wide assortment of popular classical selections, patriotic music, show tunes and movie themes, including When the Saints Go Marching In, selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and a special medley of New Orleans’ music. The LPO takes the stage at 6 p.m., but concert-goers will want to arrive early to enjoy the pre-concert festivities.

Enchanted Art Walk

The Enchanted Art Walk, featuring a variety of talented artists, begins at 5 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to browse artwork, meet the artists, enjoy artist demonstrations and purchase both prints and original works of art. Among the artists scheduled to display are Linda Bickel, Barry Bischoff, Stephanie Cox, Keith Dellsperger, Janet Ferguson, Lori Gomez, Billy Hammell, Kelly Landrum Hammel, Raven Wing Hughes, Victoria Kennedy, Linda Marr, Thomas Jamie Owens, Slidell Little Theatre and Brandon Thornton. Individuals who are considering purchasing artwork are advised to arrive early for the best selections.

Mayor’s Picnic Contest

Bust out your picnic blankets, candelabras and colorful décor and get ready to show off your creativity because Mayor Drennan is challenging the community to participate in the Mayor’s Picnic Contest.

“I’m extending an invitation to you, your family and friends to come out to Heritage Park and enjoy an enchanting evening of great music and community spirit,” said Mayor Drennan. “This is one of our biggest events each year. I’m challenging you to come together with your community, family and friends and to support this great event.”

Phantom of the Symphony, Hollywood South Soirées, Saints, Cajun feasts, LSU, birthday parties, patriotic themes and baby showers are only a few of the creative picnics from past years. The best picnic spread selected in each of the three categories will receive a special prize. The three categories are:  Perfect Interlude (most romantic setting), Chromatic Overtures (most creative picnic spread) and Grand Staff (best presentation by an organization or office group). Participants should register at the pavilion near the amphitheater stage at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced during intermission.

And don’t forget the ice chests and picnic baskets filled with goodies, or make it easy and enjoy on-site catering from participating vendors. For guests who don’t want to bring their own tables, the park’s smaller pavilions may be rented by contacting the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Pavillions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests who arrive early may bring tents to provide shade during the daytime, but all tents must be taken down by 5:30 p.m. so that everyone can enjoy the view of the stage. Park regulations prohibit barbeque grills, pets, bicycles, scooters and skateboards.

Unloading Zone and Parking

To make it easier to participate in the Mayor’s Picnic Contest, there will be an unloading zone in the front of Heritage Park for those who want to decorate their picnic areas. Drivers will be allowed to enter the park from the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance from 2 to 4 p.m., and follow the signage directing them to the unloading area. Drivers will then exit the park at the same gate, and should park in the lot on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bayou Lane. The entrance to the park will be closed at 4 p.m. to ensure the safety of concert attendees.

Whether or not concert-goers take advantage of the unloading zone, everyone should park in the lot on the corner of Bayou Lane and Pennsylvania Avenue immediately outside of Heritage Park. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from 4 p.m. until after the concert.

The Fremaux Avenue entrance to the park will remain closed to all traffic, as will the boat launch area, which will be used to provide parking for the orchestra members. A parking pass will be required for admission at this entry.

A limited number of parking spots for handicapped accessibility will be available on a first come, first served basis. Eligible guests must have a fixed license plate or passenger driver’s license with handicapped designation. All other parking within Heritage Park is reserved for musicians, vendors and staff.

Some Enchanted Evening fulfills the symphony concert requirement for the City of Slidell’s Cultural Explorers Club, a program created for children ages 4 to 18 that encourages exploration of the many facets of visual and performing arts. Children who attend five different types of art events – symphony music, dance, theatre, visual arts and participation in any visual or performing arts experience – will be inducted each year into the Cultural Explorers Club and receive a patch and certificate from Mayor Drennan. This year, the presentation will take place during intermission of this event. This program is designed to encourage parents to help their children explore all forms of the arts. Participation is free. For more information, please visit www.slidell.la.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cultural-Explorers-Club-flyer.pdf.

Admission to Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is free. This event is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2011 – 2012 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Brian Harris Autoplex; East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Friends of the Arts; Sophisticated Woman; Slidell Memorial Hospital; WWNO 89.9 FM; CLECO Power, LLC; Slidell Magazine; Creative Picture Framing & Art Gallery; Ronnie Kole Foundation; Chateau Bleu; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; The Slidell Independent; VanGeffen Wealth Strategies, Inc.; A Touch of Italy Café; Bargains Plus!/Postal Plus; Baskin Robbins/Coy & Donna Faucheux; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; State Rep. Greg Cromer; Senator A. G. Crowe; In Memory of John M. Dilkey; DuBuisson Gallery; Capt. Mark & Sandy Fulenwider; Grand IMAX Slidell, Inc.; Hampton Inn, Slidell; Homewood Suites, Slidell; Krewe of Bilge; Chris & Dr. Ed Massett; Northshore Harbor Center; State Rep. Kevin Pearson; Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore; St. Tammany Tourist & Convention Commission; Sunrise on Second Street; Textron Marine & Land Systems; Times Grill; Dr. Russ & Nancy Westfall and Tanya Witchen of RE/Max Real Estate Partners.

This Louisiana Main Street and Cultural District event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

For more information, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the official “City of Slidell” government page on Facebook and Twitter.

RAIN DATE HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED. In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled for Sunday, April 22. Weather cancellation updates will be posted on the city’s website or by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs after 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

This event qualifies as the “Symphony Concert” component of the City of Slidell’s free Cultural Explorers Club. For CEC information, click here: Cultural Explorers Club flyer.

Long anticipated project marks milestone in Katrina recovery efforts

The much anticipated opening of the new Slidell Municipal Auditorium will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, April 18 at 4 p.m. Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan, Police Chief Randy Smith and the Slidell City Council invite the public to attend the event, which marks a milestone in the city’s recovery efforts. The auditorium is the final of all the city buildings destroyed by, and subsequently repaired following, Hurricane Katrina.

The new 22,166 SF, two story facility replaces the original municipal auditorium, which was built in 1953 and demolished in 2010 after sustaining heavy damage during the hurricane. The project was designed by Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects, and VCC LLC, which has offices from California to Georgia, submitted the $6.9 million low bid for the construction. Stuart Consulting Group served as the Program Manager.

Though the footprint of the new facility remains the same, the seating capacity has increased due to a redesign of the floor plan. The new facility will accommodate a standing crowd of 1,201, fixed row seating of 752 and table seating of 595. Total cost of the construction was $8 million, with approximately $7 million funded by FEMA and the balance paid for by the City of Slidell. Mayor Drennan is quick to praise former Slidell mayor Ben O. Morris, whose negotiating efforts with FEMA were instrumental in securing funding for the rebuild.

While the ribbon cutting marks the opening of the new facility, its grand opening celebration will be held Friday, April 20, with the “Arts, Camera, Action!” gala produced by the city’s Friends of the Arts organization. For more information about that event, visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us or call Friends of the Arts Chair Karen Smith at (985) 788-0521. For more information about City of Slidell news and events, visit the website or the “City of Slidell” Facebook page, or call (985) 646-4375.

Offered in conjunction with Slidell’s 10^th annual ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ with the LPO

Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan is challenging the community to participate in his Mayor’s Picnic Contest on Saturday, April 21, in Heritage Park. The contest, held in conjunction with the City of Slidell’s Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, begins at 5 p.m. but participants are encouraged to arrive early to setup their picnic areas.

Phantom of the Symphony, Hollywood South soirées, Saints, LSU, Cajun feasts, birthday parties,  patriotic themes and even baby showers are only a few of the past themes at the Mayor’s Picnic Contest. What theme will you choose this year?

“I’m extending an invitation to you, your family and friends to come out to Heritage Park and enjoy an enchanting evening of great music and community spirit,” said Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan. “This is one of our biggest events each year. I’m challenging the community to get their family and friends together and have a little fun with this event.”

Bust out your picnic blankets, candelabras and colorful décor and get ready to show off your creativity. The best picnic spread selected in each of the three categories will receive a special prize. The three categories are:  Perfect Interlude (most romantic setting), Chromatic Overtures (most creative picnic spread) and Grand Staff (best presentation by an organization or office group).

Judges will score each picnic based on creativity, theme, and presentation. The entrants receiving the highest score in each category will be recognized during intermission and will receive a special prize. And don’t forget the ice chests and picnic baskets filled with goodies, or take it easy and enjoy on-site catering from participating vendors.

For guests who don’t want to bring their own tables, the park’s pavilions can be rented by contacting the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Pavilion rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests who arrive early may bring tents to provide shade during the daytime, but all tents must be taken down by 5:30 p.m. so that everyone may enjoy the view of the stage. Park regulations prohibit barbeque grills, pets, bicycles, scooters and skateboards.

The tenth annual Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will be held in Heritage Park on Saturday, April 21. This free concert draws crowds of 5,000 to 10,000 music lovers each year. Leading the LPO this year is guest conductor David Torns, Assistant Conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony and Music Director of the Louisiana Youth Orchestras.

The LPO takes the stage at 6 p.m., but concert-goers will want to arrive much earlier to enjoy all the pre-concert festivities. The Enchanted Art Walk, featuring a variety of talented artists, will begin at 5 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to browse artwork, meet the artists, enjoy artist demonstrations and purchase original works of art and prints.

Some Enchanted Evening fulfills the symphony concert requirement for the City of Slidell’s Cultural Explorers Club, a program created for children ages 4 to 18 that encourages exploration of the many facets of visual and performing arts. Children who attend five different types of art events – symphony music, dance, theatre, visual arts and participation in any visual or performing arts experience – will be inducted each year into the Cultural Explorers Club and receive a patch and certificate from Mayor Drennan. This year, the presentation will take place during intermission of this event. This program is designed to encourage parents to help their children explore all forms of the arts. Participation is free. For more information, please visit www.slidell.la.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cultural-Explorers-Club-flyer.pdf.

Admission to Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is free. This event is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2011 – 2012 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Brian Harris Autoplex; East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Friends of the Arts; Sophisticated Woman; Slidell Memorial Hospital; WWNO 89.9 FM; CLECO Power, LLC; Slidell Magazine; Creative Picture Framing & Art Gallery; Ronnie Kole Foundation; Chateau Bleu; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; The Slidell Independent; VanGeffen Wealth Strategies, Inc.; A Touch of Italy Café; Bargains Plus!/Postal Plus; Baskin Robbins/Coy & Donna Faucheux; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; State Rep. Greg Cromer; Senator A. G. Crowe; In Memory of John M. Dilkey; DuBuisson Gallery; Capt. Mark & Sandy Fulenwider; Grand IMAX Slidell, Inc.; Hampton Inn, Slidell; Homewood Suites, Slidell; Krewe of Bilge; Chris & Dr. Ed Massett; Northshore Harbor Center; State Rep. Kevin Pearson; Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore; St. Tammany Tourist & Convention Commission; Sunrise on Second Street; Textron Marine & Land Systems; Times Grill; Dr. Russ & Nancy Westfall; Tanya Witchen of RE/Max Real Estate Partners.

This Louisiana Main Street and Cultural District event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

For more information, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the official “City of Slidell” government page on Facebook and Twitter.

In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled for Sunday, April 22. Weather cancellation updates will be posted on the city’s website or by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs after 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

Phantom of the Opera – Delany & Laura Toups, Bill & Nancy Baldwin, Jim & Josephine Kelly

It’s almost time to induct the inaugural members of the City of Slidell’s Cultural Explorers Club! Our first group of explorers will be recognized at the upcoming Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concert on Saturday, April 21.  Children’ who haven’t fulfilled all five of the required programs will have another opportunity for induction at the upcoming Kids Fest on June 15.  The Cultural Explorers Club is a great way for children to discover the arts, and participation is free. Get complete details here: Cultural Explorers Club .

Mayor Freddy Drennan and the City of Slidell invite the public to attend the opening of the twenty-first annual “Salad Days,” a juried exhibition of student art, on Friday, April 13, starting at 6 p.m. in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

This popular exhibit – the only one of its kind in the area – offers St. Tammany Parish students, ages 5 through 19, an opportunity to have their art featured in a formal gallery setting. 70 entries from 33 different artists were submitted for consideration. Of those entries, 45 pieces from 25 different artists were selected by this year’s juror, Adam Sambola.

Sambola is a critically acclaimed artist and the owner of Sambola Gallery in Slidell. He is self-taught artist who was first introduced to painting when he met his wife in college. Using her paints and brushes, he began painting and studying the works of the masters. He developed a love of realism, a style used by classic artists and was inspired by Michelangelo Caravaggio’s religious works. Today, Sambola’s passion for painting comes from his Louisiana surroundings where he draws inspiration from Cajun influences, Jazz and Blues and his love of southern seafood. He is the creator of “RedBean the Crawfish” and his award-winning “Cajun Series” has attracted collectors from throughout the United States and around the world.

The exhibit opens on Friday, April 13, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second Street, on the first floor of City Hall. The award ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Participants will each receive a medal and certificate recognizing their acceptance into the exhibit. Winners in each age category will be recognized with ribbons acknowledging first, second and third place and honorable mentions. First place winners in each of the four age categories will also receive $50.

The show will remain on display through Friday, June 15. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and by appointment for school and group tours.

The City of Slidell will also present the Blake Kenworthey Memorial Award to one of the student artists, in recognition of the 20 year old artist who lost his life in a car accident in November 2010. Kenworthey had been a long-term participant in the “Salad Days” exhibit, and had consistently been among those taking home top honors at the event.

The award recipient will be selected by the staff of the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. Every year, the juror has a hard time narrowing down the selections from among all entries received to a number that the gallery can accommodate. The Blake Kenworthey Memorial Award will be presented to one of the many works that didn’t make the final cut but is still deserving of special recognition. The recipient selected will receive a special certificate and a $50 award.

This event fulfills the art exhibit requirement for the City of Slidell’s Cultural Explorers Club, a program created for children ages 4 to 18 that encourages exploration of the many facets of visual and performing arts. Children who attend five different types of art events – symphony music, dance, theatre, visual arts and participation in any visual or performing arts experience – will be inducted each year into the Cultural Explorers Club and receive a patch and certificate from Mayor Drennan. This year, the presentation will take place during the city’s “Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra” concert in Heritage Park on April 21. This program is designed to encourage parents to help their children explore all forms of the arts. Participation is free. For more information, please visit www.slidell.la.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cultural-Explorers-Club-flyer.pdf.

“Salad Days” is organized by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2011 – 2012 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Brian Harris Autoplex; East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce; Friends of the Arts; Sophisticated Woman; Slidell Memorial Hospital; WWNO 89.9 FM; CLECO Power, LLC; Slidell Magazine; Creative Picture Framing & Art Gallery; Ronnie Kole Foundation; Chateau Bleu; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; The Slidell Independent; VanGeffen Wealth Strategies, Inc.; A Touch of Italy Café; Bargains Plus!/Postal Plus; Baskin Robbins/Coy & Donna Faucheux; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; State Rep. Greg Cromer; Senator A. G. Crowe; In Memory of John M. Dilkey; DuBuisson Gallery; Capt. Mark & Sandy Fulenwider; Grand IMAX Slidell, Inc.; Hampton Inn, Slidell; Homewood Suites, Slidell; Krewe of Bilge; Chris & Dr. Ed Massett; Northshore Harbor Center; State Rep. Kevin Pearson; Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore; St. Tammany Tourist & Convention Commission; Sunrise on Second Street; Textron Marine & Land Systems; Times Grill; Dr. Russ & Nancy Westfall; Tanya Witchen of RE/Max Real Estate Partners.

This Louisiana Main Street and Cultural District event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

For more information, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the official “City of Slidell” government page on Facebook and Twitter.

This event qualifies as the “Participatory” component of the City of Slidell’s free Cultural Explorers Club. For CEC information, click here: Cultural Explorers Club flyer

Thanks to our 2011 – 2012 Cultural Season Sponsors

Jason Willis - "The Colors of the Rain"

Addison Bauer - "Fancy Lady"

Shelbe Castro - "Serenity"

Robin Yang - "Spring Drizzle"

Mayor Freddy Drennan, the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs and the city’s Commission on the Arts are proud to announce the addition of Keith Dellsperger to the Commission. Dellsperger, who was appointed by Mayor Drennan, is filling the position of former Commissioner Mary MacCurdy.

An award-winning artist and local business owner, Dellsperger was born in New Orleans and raised in Metairie. He attended Delgado College and majored in Commercial Art with a minor emphasis in Fine Arts. After college, he worked as a photographic restoration artist and later as an advertising and layout artist for D. H. Holmes, but his growing family dictated a career change. After 28 years, he returned to the art world in 2010. He opened Dellsperger Studio in Olde Towne Slidell and currently serves as the President of the Slidell Art League.

“I am honored to join the distinguished members of the Commission on the Arts,” said Dellsperger. “I love Slidell and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the arts thrive in our community.”

“The City of Slidell is honored to have Keith join the Commission on the Arts,” said Mayor Drennan. “He has a passion for the arts and his community, and I know that he will be a great addition to the Commission.”

The Commission on the Arts is a community advisory board to the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. Established in 1979, the commission provides guidance and advice to the mayor and the city’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs regarding grants, cultural projects and policies. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor with the primary function to develop, nurture and sustain the cultural life of the community.

Dellsperger joins Commissioners Elizabeth Lamulle, Chair; John Perkins, Vice-Chair; Mary Christopher; Mary DuBuisson; Leo Ehrhardt; Phil Galatas; Beth Gendusa; Nicholas Kooney; Milo Stephens and William Stadler.

Commission on the Arts meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Community Room, located at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell.  Meetings are scheduled on the second Thursday of every other month beginning in February of each year, and are open to the public.

For more information, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city’s website at www.slidell.la.us. For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, follow the official “City of Slidell” government page on Facebook and Twitter.

Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan, the Slidell City Council and the City of Slidell invite the public to attend the grand opening of the Rufus Viner Community Center on Thursday, April 12, 2012, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. The center is located at 1010 Schley Street in Olde Towne Slidell near Possum Hollow Park.

Named in honor of the community leader, the Rufus Viner Community Center was originally constructed in the 1970s but flooded in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Construction of the new center was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant.

Rufus Viner was a respected community leader in Slidell who held several leadership positions in the St. Tammany High School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Athletic Committee from the 1950s through 1960s. He served as an “unofficial spokesperson” for the community with the Office of the Mayor and Sheriff’s Department in the early years before the African American community was formally represented with an elected council representative on the Slidell City Council. In the 1970s, he was designated as an honorary Deputy Sheriff.

“The City of Slidell is proud to honor Mr. Viner’s legacy,” said Mayor Drennan. “This beautiful building is a great addition to the City and its citizens.”

“The Viner family is honored by the recognition of my father by the previous and current Mayor and City Council Representatives through the initial construction and recent reconstruction of the Rufus Viner Community Center,” said Viner’s son, Tommy Viner. “This center will serve as a valuable asset for the community and serve as a memorial of Rufus Viner’s contribution to the community. He clearly contributed as much as possible to ensure the community was enriched as a result of his efforts.”

“It has been seven years since we were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  I would like to thank everyone who played a role in helping to get the Rufus Viner Center off the ground and complete, with a special thanks to my colleagues on the City Council and to the Mayor and his staff,” said Slidell Councilman Lionel Hicks, who represents the district where the center is located. “This building will be an asset to District A in particular, and the City as a whole. It will serve as a venue for small groups to have their functions.”

The Rufus Viner Community Center is a 2,300 square foot multipurpose facility with a restroom, storage facility and warming kitchen. This community center, overlooking scenic Possum Hollow Park, is ideal for small parties, weddings and other functions. For rental information, please contact Karen McQueen at (985) 646-4369.