Phil Sandusky - Special Katrina Evening

Phil Sandusky, a local artist who has produced four books of his paintings, will discuss his work and sign copies of his books at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

The presentation is free of charge and is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Sandusky will focus on his second book, Painting Katrina, which shows his 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. The text chronicles Sandusky’s experiences painting the hurricane destruction along with more information about his approach. 

Phil Sandusky spent the first 20 years of his life in Jacksonville, Florida, where he began formal art training. Recognizing his early aptitude for art, Sandusky's parents placed him under the study of academic painter Marjorie Edwards when he was eight-years-old. He began formal art training at the age of 16, but he did not believe it would be a lucrative career. Therefore, he attended Jacksonville University, and earned a bachelor's degree in physics. In addition to these studies, he spent several summers enhancing his artistic talents, training in Madison, Connecticut, and at the Art Students League of New York.

After graduating from Jacksonville University, 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 New Orleans en Plein Air. 

Phil 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 has published several articles in American Artist and serves as instructor of landscape and life painting at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. 

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.