Artist Phil Sandusky talks about ‘Painting Katrina’

Local artist Phil Sandusky will focus on his book “Painting Katrina” when he appears at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. His second book includes paintings of New Orleans one year before the hurricane, his paintings of the dramatic scenes of destruction in the immediate aftermath, and his paintings of New Orleans’ recovery, a year or so after the storm.

Sandusky has produced four books of his paintings, and he will discuss his work and sign copies.

The text of “Painting Katrina” chronicles Sandusky’s experiences painting the hurricane destruction, along with more information about his approach.

Sandusky was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he began formal art training. He attended Jacksonville University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics.

After graduating, he worked on offshore drilling rigs, but he was eventually promoted and transferred to an office in New Orleans. Falling in love with the city’s rich landscape and architecture, he began to immerse himself in painting once again. The culture of his new home inspired his book “New Orleans en Plein Air.”

Sandusky is represented by Cole Pratt Gallery in New Orleans, Reinike Gallery in Atlanta, and Stellers Gallery in Jacksonville. His work can be seen in museum collections including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Louisiana State Museum, and the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham, Massachusetts. He is an instructor of landscape and life painting at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts.

FOOD AND COCKTAIL DEMO: Free demonstrations by Liz Williams and Elizabeth Pearce will take place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Williams, a Times-Picayune food columnist and host of a podcast titled “Tip of the Tongue,” will show patrons how to make parsley quinoa with golden raisins and peanuts.

Pearce, a local mixologist and owner of the educational company Drink and Learn, will demonstrate how to make hurricanes.

Patrons will be allowed to sample the dishes that are prepared. Those younger than 21 will not be served alcohol.

EMPLOYEES HONORED: The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library held a reception to honor four employees who earned Master’s of Library Science degrees during the past year. They are Cynthia “Atti” Brecka, Leo Castell, Jordan Hebert, and Rae Vosburg. Castell earned his degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, while the others earned their degrees from LSU.

GRANT WRITING: Katie Mitchell, founder and president of CCC Firm and Business Source II, will lead a grant writing seminar from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Those who attend will learn how to write a winning grant proposal, how to find grants, how to identify the best grants that fit their needs, and best practices for grant writing.

IN TUNE: Several music events are coming up at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The American Legion Post 377 Band performs a free concert at 2 p.m. Aug. 24.

The Crescent City Big Band performs at 7 p.m. Aug. 28.

COMPUTER CLASSES: Those interested in computer classes should go to the JPL website, then to the classes to register.

These classes will be at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Microsoft Excel 3: 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 21
One-on-One Slot in Basic Computers/Smart Phone Skills: 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2:30 to 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., Aug. 21
One-on-One Slot in Basic Computers/Smart Phone Skills: 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 2:30 to 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., Aug. 26
Microsoft PowerPoint 1: 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 28
Microsoft PowerPoint 2: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 28

The following classes will be at the Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.